By RachelMagday   Brenda Ramos Zinampan, a 47-year-old high school teacher and athletics coach from Solano, Nueva Vizcaya, captured four gold medals in the Women’s 45+ category at the 23rd Asia Masters Athletics Championships held November 5–10, 2025 in Chennai, India. Zinampan topped the field in the 400-meter hurdles, 100-meter dash, 80-meter hurdles and pole vault, overcoming lingering injuries to her ankle and back to deliver the sweep for Team Philippines. She said she carried “a fighting heart and the Filipino spirit” to India and credited the encouragement of her family, teammates and the Filipino public for keeping her going. Zinampan’s latest success builds on strong recent performances. In 2023 she emerged victorious at the 22nd Asia Masters Athletics Championship, held November 8–12 at the New Clark City Athletics Stadium in Capas, Tarlac, where she won two golds and three silvers. In a previous interview, she recalled competing in the Palarong Pambansa and representing Nueva Vizcaya in the Cagayan Valley Regional Athletic Association (CAVRAA) Meet in high school, but she stepped away to prioritize finishing college and never imagined she would fulfill that athletic dream later in life. Her 2025 season also includes a bronze in the pentathlon at the World Masters Athletics Championship in Gainesville, Florida, and she was a silver medalist at the Palarong Pambansa in 1995. Zinampan teaches and coaches at Bascaran National High School in Solano and trains in the afternoons and evenings because of her school schedule. She urged fellow masters and senior athletes to prioritize health and fitness and to keep pursuing their dreams, stressing that medals and podiums are secondary to well‑being and the power to inspire others. She also expressed heartfelt thanks to her family, teammates and everyone who supported her journey to the 23rd AMAC.

BAGUIO CITY, Philippines – A record breaking one thousand five hundred golfers are expected to participate in the 75th edition of the prestigious Fil-Am Invitational Golf Tournament that will run from November 25 to December 13, 2025 at the Baguio Country Club (BCC) and Camp John Hay (CJH) fairways. Aside from this number of golfers who will be comprising the staggering 301 teams that were enlisted for this year’s tournament, BCC general manger and Fil-Am Golf Co-Chairman Anthony de Leon said that there will also be a significant improvement in the raffle prizes and giveaways for the participating golfers during the two-week competition. Some 129 teams composed of more than 634 golfers will be joining the various categories in the seniors division while some 179 teams composed of nearly 800 golfers will be enlisted for the different categories under the regular division. The annual Fil-Am Invitational Golf Tournament is the longest running amateur golf competition in the Asia Pacific region having reached its 75th year of high-level competition in the said sport. De Leon claimed that 25 percent of the participating teams come from the different parts of the Asia-Pacific region and the United States that speaks well of the tournament’s reputation among local and foreign golfers who have been actively joining the annual staging of the competition. The 75th edition of the Fil-Am Invitational Golf Tournament is being jointly initiated by both the BCC and the John Hay Golf under the State-run Bases Conversion and Development Authority (BCDA). The BCC official pointed out that the new format for this year will be the four to play, four to count that will enable the organizers to accommodate some 40 additional teams compared to the number of teams that joined last year’s tournament. Last year’s 74th Januarius Fil-Am Golf Tournament saw the participation of some 1,430 golfers who composed the 260 teams that were enlisted for the tournament.  

  LA UNION, Philippines –– The Bases Conversion and Development Authority (BCDA), together with Poro Point Management Corporation (PPMC) and the Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH), is set to redevelop the 8,000-square-meter Poro Point Baywalk in La Union into a sports and recreation complex that will attract more visitors and give the community a vibrant shared space by the sea. The entire stretch of the Poro Point Baywalk will be developed into a vibrant recreation hub by the sea. It will feature a 400-seater grandstand, an Olympic-standard skate course, basketball, volleyball, pickleball, and badminton courts, a public park, and an events space equipped with solar-powered lighting. The complex will also include a toilet and shower facility, as well as landscaping works, covered benches, and improved utilities for asustainable and inclusive leisure experience. The new baywalk development will provide both residents and visitors more reasons to enjoy La Union’s dynamic coastal lifestyle while supporting the province’s growing reputation as a destination for sports and recreation. “This project shows how we can turn our economic zones into spaces that truly serve the community,” said BCDA President and CEO Engr. Joshua M. Bingcang. “Together with PPMC and DPWH, we’re building not just facilities, but experiences that enhance local life and strengthen Poro Point’s appeal as a destination for recreation, tourism, and investment in Northern Luzon.” Under the agreement, BCDA will provide the project site and concur with the design prepared by DPWH, which will handle funding, procurement, and construction. PPMC, meanwhile, will oversee inspection, coordination, and maintenance upon completion, ensuring that the facility remains well-managed and accessible to the public. “The joint project represents our shared vision for growth, and innovation. Once complete, the facility will not only expand our capabilities but also create new opportunities for collaboration, learning, and progress,” said PPMC OIC President and CEO Servillano C. Flores, Jr. Once completed, the project is expected to boost local tourism, generate employment, and create livelihood opportunities for small and medium enterprises.  

  TANUDAN, Kalinga, Philippines — The municipality of Tanudan is gearing up to officially launch Tawang Falls in sitio Cabugao, Barangay Pangol as a tourism site through the “Stride for a Cause: Running with Purpose – Tanudan Run 2025.” Set on November 22, 2025, the running event is a chance to enjoy the beautiful nature of Tanudan while also contributing to the improvement of the town’s tourism. It aims to raise funds for the construction of a male and female “nature-like” toilet at the tourist site, ensuring a cleaner and more visitor-friendly attraction. The fun run is open to participants aged 15 years old and above, and features 21KM, 12KM, and 6KM categories. Registration is until November 15 through https://bit.ly/tanudanrun2025. (PIA Kalinga)  

  By Aileen Refuerzo   BAGUIO CITY, Philippines  – Mayor Benjamin Magalong congratulated and thanked the athletes, coaches, parents, officials, organizers, and others who were instrumental in the city’s excellent performance in the recently concluded national competition held in General Santos City. Baguio City once again came in second place in the fiercely competitive 2025 Batang Pinoy National Youth Games with 91 gold, 72 silver, and 74 bronze medals, following Pasig City with 95-72-87 medals. “You know we are proud of all of you. What you have shown is amazing. Your courage, dedication, and sportsmanship are remarkable and commendable. Salute to all of you,” Magalong said. Baguio was a four-time overall champion in the sporting event until it was defeated by Pasig last year. Their medals came from performances in combat sports and archery, led by outstanding archers Chass Mhavien Colas, Jephtha Caleb Fernandez, and Jianna Delos Reyes, who each won four gold medals. Davao City came in third with 53 gold, 53 silver, and 68 bronze medals., followed by Quezon City with 45-51-57, while Manila came in fifth with 43-37-32. This year’s edition of Batang Pinoy is said to be the largest in the event’s history, with 188 local government units (LGUs) participating. One innovation noted is the use of digital technology, with all official results now being posted on the Philippine Sports Commission (PSC) website, replacing the printed results system used in previous years.        

Sports Turismo Alliance Supports It   Sports Turismo Alliance, Inc (STA) applause the formation of the National Sports Tourism Inter-Agency Committee (NST-IAC) as approved by President Ferdinand Marcos, Jr through Administrative Order No 38 signed on October 29, 2025. Under the NST-IAC, the committee, headed by Patrick Gregorio, Chairman of the Philippine Sports Commission, has been tasked to manage and oversee the development, promotion, and implementation of sports tourism initiatives. “We welcome the formation of the NST-IAC and many of our partners in the  Alliance, are elated with this development,” exclaimed Charles Lim, President and CEO of STA. “We have been looking forward to this day for a very long time.” He further explained that many countries, prominent in sports and popular tourist destinations prosper with both sectors under one administration. ” Look at Thailand, Vietnam and South Korea. How successful they have been in boosting tourism through sports. They are all under one Ministry of Sports and Tourism. Some of them embrace the Culture portfolio as well.” “From the point of view of event organizers and sports associations bidding for major events, I would likened this to doing business in a one-stop shop,” said Lim. Gregorio heads this newly created inter-agency group as chairman with Secretary Christina Garcia Frasco of the Department of Tourism (DOT) as vice-chairman. and the Department of Interior and Local Government (DILG), Department of Budget and Management (DBM), Tourism Infrastructure and Enterprise Zone (TIEZA) and Philippine Amusement and Gaming Corporation (PAGCOR) as members. Lim first conceptualized an educational planning workshop series, Sports Tourism Forum (STF) in 2004, under his public relations company, Selrahco. STF has since held no less than twenty fora for local governments and eight DOT regional offices across the country in sports event management, sports marketing, bidding and budgeting, and in measuring the economic and socio impact and the boost to certain sport development and popularity in the host cities. The next STF is scheduled in Clark Freeport, Pampanga on November 7, 2025 at the SMX Convention Center, presented by the Bases Conversion and Development Authority, Clark International Aviation Corporation, Department of Tourism and Clark Development Corporation. STA sees itself playing a vital role in sports tourism, deeply rooted in the private sector. Lim, who is also founder and chairman of the annual Philippine Sports Tourism Awards now in its seventh year, claims that the sports tourism sector has made big strides in the last decade with several international tournaments such as the FIBA World Cup in 2023, the recently concluded FIVB World Championship and the forthcoming FIFA Women’s Futsal World Cup and the Junior World Artistic Gymnastics Championships in Manila are good testament During a meeting in Malacañang recently with the President, the Private Sector Advisory Council – Tourism Sector Group (PSAC-TSC) headed by Lance Gokongwei of the JG Group, also recommended adopting a marketing strategy focused on sports. Sports Turismo Alliance, Inc gained membership into the London based International Association of Event Hosts (IAEH) in 2022, being the sole representative from the Philippines ever since. IAEH has over 50 members worldwid            

By Pigeon Lobien   LA TRINIDAD, Benguet – Saint Louis University got its rhythm early, take a 32-point advantage at halftime and cruised to a victory 95-55 win over the Philippine Military Academy at the Cordillera Career Development College gym here Sunday in the Baguio-Benguet Educational Athletic League basketball competitions. The third victory of a powerhouse squad but always the bridesmaid Navigators came before the long vacation and a return to the court with a tough five game played on seven days grind that will be, certainly, telling for the team. “And three of the teams are the league’s toughest,” said coach Raymond Austria. SLU started with back to back baskets but PMA answered with a trey to cut the lead to only one. That was where SLU started its running attack and tight defense to deny PMA the basket and even possession. Angelo Cacho caught fire then as he matched PMA’s snipers as he scored all his 24 from long range, although he went two of six in the last canto. “So far maganda defense, focus talaga sa defense. Kailangan lang talaga communication,” summed the former SLU forward, and the youngest of brothers who played for the Big Three – SLU, University of Baguio and University of the Cordilleras. Cacho gave SLU its biggest lead of 45, 95-50 with 2:11 remaining. Sean Ace Salom and Salvador Aquino added 12 and 10 points for the Navigators which will return to court on November 15 against perennial rival UB which it denied a finals slot in 2008 despite the presence of Philippine Basketball Association bound Kenneth Ighalo. The Navigators lost to the Harold Sabado led Cordillera Career Development College, for the latter’s second straight title, while SLU lost despite the number one seed in the finals. It was also 10 years after the heart breaking last four seconds heave of Adidas World Streetball representative Ramonchito Esitgoy from midcourt erasing a two-point SLU lead and win game three by a mere point. The oldest of the Austria brothers was with that UB team. Meanwhile, annual contender Baguio College of Technology escaped host Baguio Central University 85-84 to follow up its Saturday win over PMA and even up its slate at 2-2. Fresh from firing supposed coach Gerry Estranero, who led CCDC to its second title in 2008, BCT was routed by UB last October 23 but bounced back with the PMA win last Saturday at the University of the Philippines gym. It took the Atoms nearly 20 minutes after trailing 15-16 in the first canto, but veteran Fruto Luzadas III conjured his own magic as he combined with sweet shooting Adrian Cauton in the first half, then John Reyes later in the game as they cruise to an 87-33 rout of the cadets. Luzadas had 13 points, while Reyes chipped in 11. Cauton, who had a team high 16 points in the losing effort to UB, added nine markers. Cauton was simply unstoppable against the Eagles last Sunday as he poured in 26 points, but it was Luzadas and Julius Tapac who made the miracle in the later part of the game as they scored six each as they weathered an eight-point halftime deficit into win number two. Cauton topscored for BCT with 26 points, Luzadas had 26, while Tapac added 12 points. Two-time defending champion CCDC had a game high 30 points from John Urbe, who led four Admirals in double digits as they routed UPB 137-48 last Saturday. Bienvenido Villedo and Aaron Nang-is chipped in 16 and 15 points, respectively, while Airjay Contadi and Reize Tadeja added 12 and 11 markers, respectively, as the Admirals improved to 2-0. Meanwhile, the Lady Admirals sunk the Lady Navigators, 74-56, in what could be the biggest upset this year yet. Laure Bangit and Rushelle Holman each scored 14 points to lead the Lady Admirals to the first ever win over the many time champion. Rae Caba and Maybellene Mendoza led SLU with 15 and 12 markers each. Bangit had 17 points, while Krienne Buyagan and Angel Serbito added 10 each as CCDC crushed PMA, 62-33 last Saturday. However, CCDC suffered its defeat in the battle of the Cordilleras when the Lady Admirals bombed against the University of the Cordilleras, 106-79, last October 23 at home. Silcia Fuscalbo had a game high 34 points, Janelle Jandoc had 29, while Kayla Navato added 18 and 13 markers, respectively for the Lady Jaguars which seek to reclaim the crown against bitter rival UB. Serbito, Bangit and Buyagan scored 21, 18 and 12 pioints, in that order, in the losing effort as Holman was limited to nine markers.        

BAGUIO CITY, Philippines  – The city government under Mayor Benjamin Magalong is sending a 470-strong delegation of athletes and coaches to the Batang Pinoy 2025 competitions in General Santos City seeking to wrestle first place from its rival, the City of Pasig team, last year’s champions. Paul Rillorta, Sports Administration Officer III, said Team Baguio is very determined in their training and preparations to win this year’s overall championship crown. He said that their venue and accommodations are properly accounted for, sending staff ahead of time in order to ensure that special uniforms and daily allowances were also provided in support of the athletes participating in Mindanao. Baguio  has had a firm history of producing strong young athletes, Rillorta said, adding that in the previous decade, the Summer Capital has always proven itself a consistent contender and champion of the annual sports competition. The city’s most recent string of victories was the four-peat championship dominance from 2018 to 2023 with the 2020 and 2021 Batang Pinoy competitions being cancelled due to the pandemic. “Sa tingin namin lalaban ‘yang mga atleta natin– lalaban ‘yan. Kasi, kinuha naman natin, talagang (the) best of the best. Hopefully, makuha natin ‘yung crown uli. Pero, ‘yung importante naman d’yan is, lumaban sila, nag-enjoy sila.” Rillorta said. Rillorta pointed out that Baguio has always been especially dominant when it came to combative sports like Taekwondo, Muay Thai, and Boxing, and is optimistic that they will also do very well in the other sporting events of the prestigious annual competition. The games  began October 24 while the official opening took place on October 25 and will end on October 30, highlighting a whole week of sportsmanship and competitive spirit, he said. – Kemm Olarte/SLU PIO Intern/gabykeith  

BAGUIO CITY, Philippines — More than 400 young athletes from Baguio City are set to compete in the Batang Pinoy 2025 National Championships in General Santos City. The tournament will run from October 24 to 31, 2025, with the official opening ceremony scheduled on Friday, October 25, 2025. Together with their coaches, the approximately 470-strong delegation is brimming with determination as they seek to wrest first place from last year’s champion and rival, the City of Pasig. In preparation for the competition, Paul Rillorta, Sports Administration Officer III, recounts that he has witnessed focus and determination within both players and coaches leading up to Batang Pinoy 2025. He also cites making sure that the venue and accommodations are properly accounted for, sending staff ahead of time in order to ensure comfortability as special uniforms and daily allowances were also provided in support of the athletes participating in Mindanao. Baguio City has had a firm history of producing strong young athletes, as Rillorta recounts. In the last decade, Baguio city has always proven itself a consistent contender and champion of the annual sports competition, reeling in the championship several times. The most recent string of victories being the four-peat dominance of Baguio, starting from 2018 to 2023 (2020 and 2021 Batang Pinoy having been cancelled due to the pandemic), the city now seeks to retake its crown– losing its dominant streak last year to another frequent contender, Pasig City. “Sa tingin namin lalaban ‘yang mga atleta natin. Kasi, kinuha naman natin, talagang ang mga thebest of the best. Hopefully, makuha natin ‘yung crown uli. Pero, ang importante naman is, lumaban sila, nag-enjoy sila.” Rillorta said. Rillorta pointed out that Baguio has always been dominant, especially in combative sports like Taekwondo, Muay Thai, and Boxing, but Baguio City Sports is optimistic that delegates from the city of Pines are well-trained and accounted for in all sports categories this year. Despite this, however, he also mentioned that in recent years, Baguio has not been as dominant in distance-based sports such as athletics and swimming, careful to mention that these kinds of sports are those that they intend to focus on more. He refers to the fact that said sports categories are “multi-medal,” meaning one athlete could garner even up to seven medals, thus increasing the overall competitiveness of Baguio as a delegation. As Batang Pinoy 2025 begins, Baguio’s young athletes are ready to show their hard work and determination on the national stage. With the strong support of their families, coaches and officials, the team is focused on bringing back the championship and making the city proud. Win or lose, Baguio aims to give its best and inspire other young athletes to stay passionate and keep the spirit of sports alive. – Kemm Olarte (SLU PIO Intern)