MICECON returns to Davao this 2023

Tweet

After 10 years, the Philippine M.I.C.E.Conference (MICECON) returns to Davao City where it will showcase the region’s rich culture, stunning natural environments, vast culinary offerings and vibrant hospitality to a global audience. The convention will be held at the SMX Convention Center in SM Lanang Premier on 1-3 March 2023 with over 600 participants from the tourism and business events sector.

The MICECON 2023 is the biggest gathering of the Meetings, Incentive Travel and Conventions and Exhibitions (MICE) professionals in the country bringing together the special mix of the local and foreign delegates in the MICE industry to learn about the different global trends on business meetings, witness the beautiful sceneries of the premier city of the south, and invite them for networking opportunities with both the local and international MICE experts. This is in collaboration with the City Government of Davao, the Department of Tourism (DOT) and its marketing arm, the Tourism Promotions Board (TPB) Philippines.

One of the key developments in the business meetings industry is the rise of “bleisure” or combining business and leisure travel experiences. Davao stands as a shining example of the country’s bleisure destinations with its varied cultural and entertainment offerings for business travelers. Davao is home to 11 indigenous tribes and has a rising expat population from varied religious and cultural backgrounds. Blessed with pristine beaches, amazing dive spots, an abundance of flora and fauna, the freshest and quality produce, and delicious cuisines which tourists crave for, Davao City is an ideal bleisure destination. It also continues to grow its capacity as a MICE destination with more venues and accommodations for conventions as well as professionals who show the Philippines’ best quality of hospitality, diversity, peace and stability.

Corporate social responsibility is always at the core of MICECON. This year will be at the Philippine Eagle Center in Barangay Malagos, Davao City. Flowing from the industry’s thrust to highlight sustainability in its tourism efforts, MICECON delegates will visit the sanctuary in the hopes of raising awareness in the preservation of critically endangered species housed in the Philippine Eagle Center. The center welcomes donations as it continues to expand its care for more animal species and breeding of Philippine Eagles.

"We, at TPB are dedicated to promoting sustainability while simultaneously marketing the Philippines as a top travel destination. We constantly make sure to practice sustainable tourism because we gain from both positive and negative impacts on our environment. Through our CSR at the Philippine Eagle Center, we hope to inspire individuals to travel responsibly”, said TPB COO Maria Margarita Montemayor Nograles.

The event is made possible with the support of the following sponsors: Cebu Pacific, Philippine Airlines, Abbott Laboratories, Hotel 101, Eudoo Technologies, Destileria Limtuaco & Co., Inc. and the Engkanto Brewery.

Delicious treats and some entertainment activities will also delight the guests at the conference courtesy of the following sponsors: Villa Margarita, Waterfront Insular Hotel Davao and DOT Region XI on the first day; and Agriya and Pearl Farm, Royal Mandaya Hotel, Acacia Hotel and Rogen Inn, Discovery Samal and the Mayor’s night by the City Government of Davao and SM Lanang Premier and Zegen Management Group on the second day. Davao Region Cacao Council & Annipie Bakery Cafe, Dusit D2 Hotel and Davao Region Coffee Council, and Maan’s Bakeshop and TPB for the Farewell Dinner will cap the last day of activities.

Through Davao’s hosting of MICECON 2023, it is expected to renew ties with its tourism stakeholders, make new connections and position itself as a key MICE destination.

Check out www.micecon.ph for more information.

Mapúa Malayan Colleges Mindanao celebrates its 7th Foundation Anniversary

Tweet

On December 4 - 7 and 9, 2022, a new milestone was hit for Mapúa Malayan Colleges Mindanao (Mapúa MCM) as it held the first-ever week-long celebration of its foundation anniversary after seven years since its establishment with various activities to be enjoyed and shared among the whole Mapúa MCM community. Said celebration is in observance of the institution’s achievements since its incorporation in 2015.

The week-long foundation celebration is open to all students, parents, as well as friends of the community and features exciting events such as the institution’s first fun run, the unveiling of its new rebranded logo at the school’s front gate, dancing and singing competitions, battle of the bands, a Mr. and Ms. MMCM student pageant, e-game tournament, tree-lighting ceremony, and a community-run bazaar among many other activities to enjoy.

During this time, Mapúa MCM commemorates its achievements since its establishment and how it has pioneered blended learning in Mindanao to provide quality education by creating a progressive learning environment for students to hone and use to their full potential. Being a subsidiary school of Mapúa University, the institution is poised to deliver the same academic and technological excellence to its community in Mindanao.

In further establishing its ties with Mapúa University, the institution also recently rebranded from Malayan Colleges Mindanao, a Mapúa School to Mapúa Malayan Colleges Mindanao (Mapúa MCM) earlier this year. The rebranding signifies their continued commitment to delivering world-class excellence in education by providing modern facilities, training their faculty, and continued collaboration with local and international institutions to better cater to the learning needs and demands of every 21st-century student.

Aligned to their mission in striving towards educational excellence, Mapúa MCM, through Mapúa University and alongside Malayan Colleges Laguna, A Mapúa School, has joined in collaboration with Arizona State University to expand the access Filipino students will have to high-quality international education in both business and health sciences. This collaboration aims to provide students with highly differentiated instruction centered on three core pillars – international exposure, real-world experiential learning, and digital expertise.

“With what we have accomplished in the past seven years,” shared Mapúa MCM’s Executive Vice President and Chief Operating Officer, Engr. Alejandro H. Ballado Jr. “...we believe our institution is poised to make its mark in the global community through research, innovations, and ranking.

Throughout the years, Mapúa MCM has continued to consistently strive towards its mission of providing access to effective education and an efficient and innovative learning experience to its students.

Mapúa MCM is currently open for applications for SY 2023 - 2024. You may go to mcm.edu.ph to learn more or visit the campus at General Douglas MacArthur Highway, Matina, Davao City.

Maya accelerates 'digi-palengke' thrust in Mindanao

Tweet

BSP-DILG’s Paleng-QR Ph launched in Davao City today

Maya, the country's only all-in-one money app, is transforming Davao City's biggest Bankerohan Public Market with the launch of the Paleng-QR PH initiative in Mindanao today.

Spearheading the "digi-palengke" program is Davao City Government with the support of the Bangko Sentral ng Pilipinas (BSP) and the Department of Interior and Local Government (DILG). Also supporting the launch are PLDT and Smart Communications.

BSP Governor Felipe Medalla and Davao City Mayor Sebastian Duterte led the ceremonies held today at the city's Bankerohan Public Market.

"By promoting the interoperable QR PH national standard codes, Paleng-QR PH creates a simple but more powerful digital finance experience at the local community level. At Maya, we fully support Davao City's vision to build a stronger digital ecosystem," said Orlando Vea, Maya CEO and Founder and Maya Bank Co-Founder.

“Basta QR PH, pwede kami sa Maya,” Vea added.

The Paleng-QR Ph program aims to digitalize transactions starting with public markets and local transportation. The program enables vendors and tricycle drivers to accept digital payments from customers regardless of their e-wallet or bank accounts via QR Ph, the national standard for QR payment. Maya's QR codes are QR Ph-compliant, and its app can scan any QR Ph-powered transaction.

Creating digi-palengkes is part of Maya’s own LGUs Embracing and Accelerating Digitalization (L.E.A.D). Through this program, Maya equips local governments like Davao City with business-in-a-box payment acceptance solutions and disbursement tools to enable faster public service delivery.

Maya is the first digital financial services platform to adopt QR Ph. More than 52 million users can enjoy a seamless experience using Maya's consumer platforms that can send and accept P2P payments from other QR Ph-participating financial institutions.

Meanwhile, non-Maya users can pay at over 800,000 QR Ph-enabled Maya merchants, which are present in 96% of the total cities and municipalities.

The BSP's OR Ph initiative is part of the overall financial services transformation roadmap of the Philippines. It aims to raise Filipinos' trust in digital financial services, as consumers and enterprises will get used to sending and receiving cashless payments for everyday transactions.

Maya's full support to QR PH is in line with the BSP's thrust to increase the share of Filipino adults with a financial account from 56% in 2021 to 70% in 2023 and grow the volume of digital payments from 20% in 2021 to 50% by next year.

"Digital payment is the entry point of Filipinos to the financial system. As they build their financial footprint, consumers and MSMEs can access more progressive digital banking services offered by Maya," said Vea.

Maya has made it easier for consumers to spend, save, get credit, and invest in crypto just by using its top-rated all-in-one money app. Its merchant partners, meanwhile, can open a business deposit account and access revolving credit lines leveraging their payment transactions.

To know more about Maya, visit maya.ph or follow @mayaiseverything on Facebook, IG, TikTok, and YouTube and @mayaofficialph on Twitter. Join the Maya Telegram community at https://t.me/TeamMayaPH

Davao's Honesty Jeepney: Creativity sparked by COVID-19

Tweet

Many of us may have heard of the honesty system, which is practiced in many establishments like coffee houses and souvenir shops in many countries, including the Philippines. 

In this system, everything is done through self-service. Customers can list down the items they are buying, leave the corresponding payment, and take their goods. They even collect their change by just getting it from the pool of money.

A different kind of honesty system, which became particularly useful in these adverse times, was the honesty jeepney that plied the streets of Davao City before an enhanced community quarantine (ECQ) was implemented. 

Instead of the usual way of having jeepney passengers pass on their payment from one to another until it reaches the driver, passengers of that jeep put their payment in containers that have been strategically placed and spaced out in the seats--in keeping with social distancing protocols. 

A video that went viral on the internet since March 24 showed containers made of repurposed Shell Rimula engine oil plastic canisters were used not just to serve as dividers between passengers but to hold passengers fares. 

In the video, a passenger was also heard jokingly saying, Bawal kumupit [Stealing is not allowed.]. 

https://www.facebook.com/abscbnNEWS/videos/241739523538118/?v=241739523538118

During pre-ECQ times when social distancing was especially important and contact must be minimized especially in usually crowded public transport, the honesty system in that jeep had been useful in ensuring that people were safe from coronavirus infection, even in public transportation. 

Because of strict social distancing rules, only six to 10 passengers were allowed at a time in jeepneys in Davao City. Jeepneys were still able to do their usual business in Davao City before an ECQ prevented them from operating last April 4.

Creativity amid adversity 

Jefferson Camasin, the netizen who was able to capture the footage of the honesty jeepney, said that the driver was willing to risk losing profit just so his passengers could be safe and have less chances of catching the virus. 

Camasin said that he and his fellow passengers praised the driver and supported the jeepneys honesty system by paying the correct fare. Some of them even gave tips, knowing how difficult it was to earn a living that time when jeepney drivers can only ferry a few passengers at a time.

Beautiful Beginnings With Waterfront

Tweet

DAVAO, with its natural attractions and Southern hospitality, has undoubtedly become one of the country’s best wedding and events destinations. And if you are set to path to marital bliss, the Beautiful Beginnings at the Waterfront is where you need to be.

Waterfront Insular Hotel Davao has bear witness to countless beautiful beginnings as a premier nuptial location in the gulf. Now on its second year, the property hosts its wedding and celebrations fair from May 30 to June 1, 2019, bringing together 30 of the Davao City’smost sought after wedding and event providers to help couples prepare for their big day.

For soon-to-wed couples who wish to DIY their special day, interactive workshops are open to feature the latest trends in bridal floristry, event themes and concepts.

The three-day, admission-free exhibition offers exclusive perks for the whole duration of the fair including discounts on room and dining gift certificates, 50% off on their prime gazebos and up to 15% off on wedding events from June 2019 to June 2020. 

Doors open at 1:00 p.m. on May 30 while official exhibition hours run from 10:00 a.m. to 7:00 p.m. at the Grand Agila Ballroom. The momentous wedding and celebrations fair is co-presented by Golden Touch and Love & Styles and sponsored by DESA, Cameo Luxe, Decoratives by Janna and Hercs, Floral Pink Designs, Pachadas Event Styling and The Banquet Co. 

For inquiries about Beautiful Beginnings at the Waterfront, call (082) 300 8881 or visit www.facebook.com/waterfront.davao.

Brevillelize Your Summer Caravan

Tweet

Want to know how to make meals delicious and fast? You are in for a treat as, BREVILLE so not only professional chefs but home chefs may also avail of promo sets that are up for grabs. The packages will surely revolutionize your kitchen!

A premier kitchenware brand from Australia, brings you the “Breville-lize Your Summer Caravan,” in cooperation with True Value.

Chefs Emman Galvez and Edward Mateo will share their expertise in cooking, along with recipes that will keep your family healthy and strong. Aside from that, the chefs will demonstrate how Breville products can be maximized in the kitchen to make food preparation and cooking convenient and easy.

The two-day selling exhibit and Brevillelize Your Summer Caravan will be held at, Abreeza Mall Davao on May 6 to 8. So not only professional chefs but home chefs may also avail of promo sets that are up for grabs. The packages will surely revolutionize your kitchen!

BREVILLE an Australian innovation since 1932 offers products with quality attested by many food experts all around the world. With one BREVILLE® product, you can definitely do exciting things. What more if your kitchen is equipped with a whole lot more? So what are you waiting for? Head to the mall, join the caravan and Breville-lize your summer!

About BREVILLE 

BREVILLE® is a premier brand of kitchen products crafted using Australian innovation and technology. Established in 1932, the brand has grown to become an iconic global name known for its smart, unique, and elegantly designed small kitchen products. BREVILLE® commits itself to making life in the kitchen easy and continuously innovates its offerings to meet the demands of the kitchen today. The brand is exclusively distributed in the Philippines by IAJ Wellness Corporation. For more information about the brand, visit www.breville.com.ph.

IAJ Wellness Corporation has interests in health lifestyle. In addition to being the exclusive distributor of BREVILLE®, it also manages other appliance brands geared towards providing a healthy lifestyle to consumers. Other product lines under the corporation include MATSTONE, a brand of Multi-purpose Juicer, and GOODSPHERE SYSTEMS which boasts a line of air revitalizers.

Visit www.iajwc.com for more information.

Globe Business, Ph Eagle Foundation is setting free Pamana on Independence Day- ‪#‎FlyFreePamana‬

Tweet

Help save our national bird. Because of hunting and deforestation, there are only 1000 Philippine Eagles‬ left and is now listed as critically endangered.

On June 12 - ‪Independence Day‬, The Philippine Eagle Foundation together with Globe Business, is setting free a rescued Eagle named Pamana. After 3 years of rehabilitation, she is now ready to fly free, back to her natural habitat in Mt. Hamiguitan, Davao.

Help us spread the word and awareness by sharing this photo and using the hashtag ‪#‎FlyFreePamana‬! 

We're raising funds via GCash and Globe Rewards to help ensure the safety of Pamana, more about it by following @Globe_Business on Twitter or PEF.

Globe Business continues to manifest its commitment to the sustainability and conservation of our country’s biodiversity as its partnership with the Philippine Eagle Foundation (PEF) come to fruition with the release of a highly-endangered national symbol to its natural habitat on June 12, 2015.

Heightening the spirit of national pride and environmental consciousness on Independence Day, the enterprise ICT arm of Globe Telecom and the PEF will reintroduce Pamana, a rehabilitated Philippine eagle, at the Mt. Hamiguitan Range in Davao Oriental. The event will be a celebration of a successful tie-up between a business entity and a non-government organization working together for the protection and conservation of the country’s natural resources.

“As an ecologically-responsible company, we take pride in finding opportunities to show our genuine care for the Philippine environment as well as the creatures which thrive within them, such as our collaboration with the PEF. As Pamana takes flight on the most important day of our nationhood, we also hope to fire up the spirit of pride and environmental consciousness among Filipinos as individuals, as well as being the sentinels of Mother Nature within the industries they work for,” said Globe Senior Vice President for the Enterprise Group Nikko Acosta.

“We are very glad to have partnered with Globe Business in protecting the environment this side of the country. Taking care of Pamana as well as our environs in Mindanao together for three years is proof to everyone that it is possible to have a synergy between the private sector and groups such as the PEF for the higher good of our environment,”  PEF Director Dennis Salvador shared.

According to the PEF, the Philippine Eagle (Pithecophaga jefferyi) is listed in the International Union for Conservation of Nature as “critically endangered,” or facing severe habitat loss, an extreme fluctuating population, and the possibility of future generations not seeing them in the wild. With a conservative estimate of only about 1,000 individual eagles remaining, the Philippine Eagle faces continued threats of shooting, hunting, trapping, and deforestation that further threaten its dwindling population.

In 2012, Pamana was retrieved in Iligan City and turned over to the PEF after suffering two gunshot wounds: one on its left breast and another on its left wing. It was immediately brought to the Phil. Eagle Center in Davao City where it was treated until full recovery three years after. The eagle was deemed to have been a target for possible poaching, as its severed talons may fetch up to US$200 a pair. Its other parts, including the feathers, wings and head, are also valuable items sold in the black market, where a whole body of the raptor may sell for US$1,000, according to various websites.

“For an endangered species like the Philippine eagle, every individual counts. Thus, the ultimate goal of our rescue and rehabilitation is to eventually release them back in the wild where they belong. These released raptors will help augment wild populations by replacing old and dying individuals. Pamana’s reintroduction to the area will hopefully contribute to increasing and improving its population once it finds its mate and breeds,” Salvador pointed out.

Meanwhile, Acosta confirmed that this year, Globe Business will continue its support PEF through an additional P500,000 grant in the aforementioned areas of work to ensure that more Philippine eagles like Pamana can be cared for and eventually set free in the wild. In their three-year partnership, total funding by Globe Business to PEF has reached about P1.2 million. The Head of Globe Business also noted that engaging Philippine corporations to similar causes for the environment can create a greater scale and impact for conservation programs.

Donations may be coursed through Globe Rewards points of 40, 20, 10 and 5 by texting DONATE PAMANA and send to 4438, while GCash account holders may follow the steps after dialing *143# and choosing “GCash” in the menu.

Teachers laud first Tboli SHS TSHS seen to promote global competence and cultural preservation

Tweet

Teachers of the recently-launched TSHS at Lake Sebu, South Cotabato said that this program will surely promote global competitiveness without compromising the cultural preservation of the indigenous peoples in the long run.

The teachers perceived the program as a beneficial tool to boost the livelihood status of the Tbloli community since the TSHS offers technical-vocational tracks that are in line with the culture of the Tboli people. 

“Ang diwa ng kultura namin ay naisasalin at ang kaalaman ay made-develop pa kung kaya’t ilang henerasyon man ang magdaan, ang kultura namin ay buhay pa rin. Ang kaalaman at ang kasanayan ay nagmula mismo sa kanila [mag-aaral na Tboli] upang matuto na silang makihalubilo sa mundo,” said Benji Manuel, a Tboli teacher at Tboli Senior High School (TSHS).

This project of the Department of Education (DepEd), in collaboration with Ateneo de Davao, aims to produce graduates who are equipped with entrepreneurial and management skills and are capable of managing and improving their own resources and coming up with sustainable livelihood and opportunities for the Tboli community.

Manuel said that through the program, he now sees the teachers of TSHS as carriers of the plan of the Tboli elders.

“Sa tulong nito, nakikita namin ang aming sarili bilang tagapagdala ng plano ng elders ng pamayanan ng Tboli na dalhin ang indigenous knowledge, cultural and intellectual heritage sa loob ng classroom,” Manuel added.

Ateneo de Davao President Father Joel S. Tabora, SJ said that the Tboli SHS is “the most sophisticated, anthropological, pedagogical project in the country relative to Senior High School”.

"Davao entered into this program--to be able to help the K to 12 create a program that will not make the students foreigners to their own culture, but will make them imbibe the values and the cultural traditions of the tribe even in a global age, even in an age when the Tboli also want to be able to be world-class, to be able to enjoy the advantages of globalization and modernization. The Tboli, it has to be clear, also want first and foremost to preserve their own cultural traditions and their cultural identities. This is the reason why Ateneo de Davao has been really priveleged to be part of this program," Tabora said.

Through the help of Ateneo de Davao, the program commenced through a research wherein they consulted the Tboli community if they would want a program that is appropriate not only to their culture but also to the standards of DepEd. After the research, the Tboli community gave positive feedback, which means that they are willing to have the program being proposed to them.

TSHS will be initially lodged at Lake Sebu National High School and will be catering to approximately 45 students upon the first implementation of Grade 11 this coming school year 2015-2016.

"We are developing ourselves and we are achieving our goals and aspirations but we should not forget our culture. That is our intention," Manuel said.

7-Eleven kicks off expansion into Mindanao

Tweet

Davaoeños can now enjoy 24/7 convenience of 7-Eleven everyday!

Philippine Seven Corporation (PSC), the country's largest convenience store chain operator, launched its business expansion in Mindanao on May 8, 2015 with the grand opening of its first 7-Eleven store in "The Land of Promise."

As part of 7-Eleven’s strategy to maintain market share, the company continues to protect and expand its leadership by continuing to grow its store expansion rate. Aside from securing its foothold in Luzon and Visayas, PSC aims to capture a new market in Mindanao. 

“We’re excited to be in Mindanao, especially since it’s a very attractive market and we look forward to seeing its potential, which is why we’re committed to jumping in with both feet,” said Jose Victor Paterno, PSC President and CEO.

Located within Abreeza Mall in Davao is the first of the 50 targeted 7-Eleven stores to be opened in the cities of Davao and Cagayan de Oro this year. 

7-Eleven aims to open 30 stores in Davao and 20 in Cagayan de Oro respectively by year-end. And by June, PSC will have 4 other operational stores to be followed by 12 more sites by September in both Davao City and Cagayan de Oro.

Following 7-Eleven’s Mindanao opening on May 8, will be a series of store openings at Ulas Crossing in Davao and George Town Cybermall and Limketkai Center in Cagayan de Oro. PSC targets to open 120 stores in Mindanao in the next 3 years.

7-Eleven aims to lead the convenience store industry in Mindanao, beginning in the two cities that have been experiencing an increase in tourist arrivals and per capita income in the past few years. 

Among the other potential key cities PSC is eyeing for future expansion include General Santos, Bukidnon, and Iligan. 

Expanding into Mindanao also marks a vision realized for the late PSC Founding Chairman, Vicente T. Paterno – for 7-Eleven to go national. With Mindanao having been close to his heart, the first store in Mindanao is being dedicated in his honor. 

Mr. Paterno was an ardent advocate for Mindanao’s development and worked tirelessly to further its growth. He had been named “Adopted Son of Mindanao” for prioritizing policy supporting Mindanao's development over his two decades in government.

Pangasinan's ping-pong girl is Palaro's youngest athlete

Tweet

J-An A. Sanchez is just like any other Palaro player. She has good grades in school, has won district, division and regional meets, and has collected numerous gold medals and awards. 

This Table Tennis player from Rosales, Pangasinan has done it all, and she’s just 7 years old.

J-An A. Sanchez 

Dubbed as 2015 Palarong Pambansa’s youngest athlete, it’s no surprise that J-An made it this far. She hailed from a family of Table Tennis players, led by her father and Coach, Allan B. Sanchez.

“Natuto siyang pumalo sa pagsingitsingit niya habang naglalaro yung mga kapatid niya. Nung na-discover nga na mayroon siyang talent, ang ginawa nung trainer niya ay binigyan siya ng piso sa bawat bola na maibalik niya.” 

Her father said that being a kid, J-An delighted in such an incentive and was able to make as much as 20 pesos in one sitting.

Originally it was her brother and sister, AJ and Aljhay Sanchez, who were intended to train and compete in the Palarong Pambansa. J-An joined the District meet for the purpose of exposure and for her to have fun. Instead, this Grade 1 pupil beat all the Grade 6 students who entered the match– all of whom are much taller and much experienced than her.

“Siya na yung nagrepresent ng Division namin sa Regional Meet. Hindi namin ineexpect na mananalo siya kasi ayaw namin siyang ma-pressure. Pinapabayaan lang namin siya kasi kitang-kita na masaya siya pag naglalaro. Ang nangyari,tinalo niya yung mga malalakas na players ng Region 1 at ito n anga kami, andito ngayon sa Palarong Pambansa.” added Sanchez, saying that it is J-An and Aljhay who made it to the nation’s renowned sporting event.

When asked what J-An wants to do in life, the little darling of the crowd said “Gusto ko lang pong maglaro ng Table Tennis.Masayang masaya po kasi ako pag naglalaro ako.” 

With her advanced skills and the youthful bliss she gets from playing, surely we’ll be seeing a lot of her in the next Palaro meets to come.

#Palaro2015 : Floating Olympic Swimming Pool at the Sea in Panabo City

Tweet

This is my first time traveling in Panabo City, and finding an amazing Floating Olympic Swimming Pool at the Sea! 

For 2015 Palarong Pambansa, many first time to be featured and to be experience by student athletes. One of these is the first ever floating swimming pool by the sea here in Purok Banban, Cagangohan, Panabo City, Davao del Norte.

A brief meeting with Davao del Norte official, and swimming coach Mustari Raji, who conceptionalized a different swimming pool, floating as they call it, even in the sea. He shared to us that he wanted that all the children of the Davao del Norte to be trained in an olympic size swimming pool for free. He said that not all students can afford for a club membership, swimming pool and even coaches fee.

"My advocacy is to make an Olympic-Size swimming pool accessible to all DavNor children, to be trained and to be part of the Palaro." 

"It's now became a reality, with the help of the funding of the Davao del Norte Provincial, with Gov. Rodolfo del Rosario, " Coach Mustari said.

The floating pool is made of PVC drum, anahaw and bamboo wood. We were excitingly go near the floating swimming pool, and of course with the children of Davnor.

The swimming pool at the sea is a 10 lane olympic-size swimming pool with a dimension of 50 meters in length and 25 meters in width.

The total cost of the project was at only 400 thousand pesos, as compaired to a real olympic-size swimming pool in a club that would cost around 3 million pesos.

 

Gladly to see how the children enjoy their experience as they are being trained in the floating olympic-sized swimming pool.

Here's #DavNorPalaro2015 new swimming champions at the Panabo's Floating Olympic Swimming Pool at the Sea! 

Photos: Arts Travel Magazine

DepEd welcomes 2015 Palarong Pambansa with more than 12,000 athletes

Tweet

The Department of Education (DepEd) together with the provincial host Davao del Norte (DavNor) officially welcomed yesterday more than 12,000 delegates including student athletes, coaches and officials representing different regions all over the country to the opening of the country’s most-awaited sporting event - Palarong Pambansa 2015.

The surrounding setting of festivity was buzzing at the Davao del Norte Sports & Tourism Complex (DNSTC) as Palaro’s opening ceremonies started with the parade of friendship and camaraderie, followed by an exhibition of the Philippine Army paratroopers and the singing of the national anthem by The Voice Philippines Season 1 finalist, Thor Dulay.

Local Government Secretary Mar Roxas graced the national event in behalf of President Benigno Simeon Aquino III. 

DepEd Secretary Br. Armin Luistro, Local Government Secretary Mar Roxas,  and DavNor Governor Rodolfo P. Del Rosario 

"Ang tagumpay at ang kadakilaan ng isang atleta ay wala doon sa event mismo pero nasa araw araw na psgsasakripisyo, pagpupursige, para maabot nila ang excellence na nasa angking talento nila," Roxas said. 

In an interview, Roxas shared that sucess is not measured by merely winning the games.

Traditions, such as the turn-over and the hoisting of the Palarong Pambansa banner were observed elatedly.

DavNor Governor Rodolfo P. Del Rosario 

“The dream culminates today as we open the Palarong Pambansa 2015. It is therefore an honor for us to prepare the stakes for our young athletes to make the dreams come true. In all our preparations, we have put our young athletes the centre of the Palarong Pambansa 2015. They are the reason for the existence of the National Games, thus we have spared no effort in expense to ensure their safety and convenience, so they will have the best experience that they can get here in DavNor,”  DavNor Governor Rodolfo P. Del Rosario said during his welcoming speech.

DepEd Secretary Br. Armin Luistro 

The program was cut short when DepEd Secretary Br. Armin Luistro yelled “Class Dismissed!” as rain started to pour on the sports complex.

Nevertheless, Palaro was declared opened and the youth of DavNor continued to showcase their many talents as the sky cleared up. 

The different sports competitions will be held at several locations across the city between May 3 to 9. Events include Archery, Arnis, Athletics, Badminton, Baseball, Basketball, Boxing, Chess, Football, Gymnastics, Sepak Takraw, Softball, Swimming, Table Tennis, Taekwondo, Tennis, Volleyball, Billiards, Futsal, Wushu, Wrestling, Special Events and Beach Volleyball.

Some photos from Central Visayas Regional Athletic Association 

Palarong Pambansa 2015 opens with Parade of Friendship and Camaraderie

Tweet

The 58th Palarong Pambansa opens this Monday, May 4 held at Davao del Norte Sports and Tourism Complex, Tagum City, Davao del Norte with over 12,000 student athletes participants from the 17 regions in the Philippines.

More than 12,000 athletes from both public and private elementary and secondary schools are to compete in various sporting events.

(https://instagram.com/p/2Qn4srMJdM/?taken-by=msmyrnz)

The inauguration of this year’s Palarong Pambansa had opening ceremonies with the Parade of Friendship and camarederie.

With the theme “Breaking Borders, Building Peace,” this year’s Palarong Pambansa graced by Secretary of the Interior and Local Government Mar Roxas, DepEd​ Secretary Br. Armin Luistro and Davao del Norte Governor Rodolfo del Rosario.

Playing fields, billeting, hygiene facilities and provision for nourishment are already in place for the athletes, coaches and trainers participating in the week-long sports development program.

Join the fun and enjoy the games of Palarong Pambansa 2015, starts now and ends on May 9.

Photos: Arts Travel Magazine

DepEd: All systems go for Palaro 2015

Tweet

The Department of Education (DepEd) has completed the preparations for the 58th Palarong Pambansa in Tagum City, Davao del Norte. The national sporting event’s original kick off date was moved to May 4, to support our boxing champion Manny Pacquiao in his fight against Floyd Mayweather Junior this coming Sunday.

DepEd Secretary Br. Armin A. Luistro FSC said that all necessary arrangements have been secured. “Every year, we aim to make the Palarong Pambansa a special event highlighting what the Filipino youth can showcase to the world in the field of sports,” Luistro said. 

Luistro also added that this year’s Palarong Pambansa will continue to be clean, green and high-tech. “More than the equipment we set up to showcase a high-tech Palaro, the sporting event will display Filipino core values such as honesty and fair play and will put equal emphasis on environmental concern.”

Davao del Norte Governor Rodolfo del Rosario assured DepEd that the province is ready to host the 2015 Palarong Pambansa, and implemented a gun ban in the province for the duration of the games. “We were able to secure the PNP’s order for a gun ban in the province from April 20 to May 10, 2015.”

All delegations from 17 regions have arrived and are now settled in their respective billeting quarters.

The Palarong Pambansa is DepEd’s way of promoting physical education and sports as an integral part of the Basic Education Curriculum and as an affirmation to its commitment to develop the potentials of the youth to become responsible and globally competitive citizens.

Assistant Secretary for Legal and Legislative Affairs Tonisito Umali, assisted by the Task Force on School Sports (TFSS), shall spearhead the event. The TFSS shall provide technical management, secretariat/staff and operational services.

The following activities are lined up for the 2015 Palarong Pambansa: 

May 3 –Governor’s Night at DavNor Sports & Tourism Complex (DNSTC); 

May 4 – Thanksgiving Mass with Gov. Del Rosario and Sec. Luistro at the RDR Gym & Cultural Center and the Opening Ceremonies to start in Government Center, Capitol Grounds to DNSTC; 

May 5 – Media Night at DNSTC Clubhouse; 

May 3-8 – Sports competition; 

May 6 – DepEd Night at DNSTC Clubhouse; and 

May 9 will be the closing ceremonies

Arielle Orella, Most outstanding athlete from NCR all geared up for Palaro 2015

Tweet

Armed with clubs, hoops, ribbons and a ball, the Rhythmic Gymnastics team of the National Capital Region (NCR) rigorously trains at the gymnasium of Jose Abad Santos High School. Amidst them is a soft-spoken girl who has been the crown jewel of the team after bagging the title of “Most Outstanding Athlete” in last year’s Palarong Pambansa.

Arielle Orella, 16-year old NCR Rhythmic Gymnastics athlete, is all set to compete in the 2015 Palarong Pambansa."

Meet Arielle Nichole G. Orella - a girl whose demure façade is not to be underestimated since she is a frequent in the first place-winners platform in every Palaro that she has competed in. At the age of seven, Arielle was enticed to enter the world of rhythmic gymnastics after watching older girls in her elementary school perform the graceful sport. 

It takes Arielle three (3) months of intensive training to perfect a routine. “If we don’t have any classes, our training starts from morning until afternoon, 7am to 4pm. When there were still classes, training starts from 3pm to 6pm. Our only rest day is every Sunday, but when there is an upcoming competition, there is no such thing as a ‘rest day’,” she said. 

Through the capable hands of her coaches, the dedication and determination that she has been giving out in her trainings, Arielle has been reaping gold after gold in the hopes of one day becoming the Philippine representative in international competitions. “I want to be part of the National team because I want to compete again internationally to represent our country.” said Arielle, referring to her experience in the recent ASEAN School Games.

In college, Arielle wants to take up Physical Education in preparation for a coaching career. “Gusto ko rin pong magturo din ng Gymnastics at mag-coach ng mga batang athletes. That is my dream.”

The champ’s message for inspiring gymnasts out there? - “Never be afraid to try the craft you really want, don't ever think of giving up and lastly, strive for your higher dreams to be an inspiration to others.”

She and the NCR team will be competing next week in the 2015 Palarong Pambansa in Tagum, Davao del Norte.

New records to break in Palaro 2015

Tweet

2014 marks the year of triumphs and remarkable feats in the field of Sports. For the 57th Palarong Pambansa, it was also the year for the Athletics and Swimming category as decade-old-records were broken by this generation’s roster of student athletes.

Last year, Luzon excelled through its champions from the National Capital Region (NCR) and Region 3. NCR’s sprint athlete, Jomar Udtohan turned heads as he broke three meet records in the 100M (43.1 s), 200M (21.8 s), and 400M (48.7 s) dash. His performance was even compared to the “Asia’s Sprint Queen” Lydia de Vega-Mercado’s skill in the early 80s. Also, Bryan Pacheco from Central Luzon wowed crowds through his throwing skills as he achieved a new record of 15.32m in the Shot Put category. Pacheco even outdid his old 2013 record in the Javelin Throw, making 62.47m the new number to break.

Likewise, NCR’s elementary students dominated the Olympic-sized pool with their swimming abilities. Imee Joyce Saavedra’s time of 2:16.72 broke the 2010 record in the 200m Freestyle division, while Seth Isaak Martin broke the long-time 1998 record of 1:07.56 by 35 seconds in the Backstroke division. The team of Andrew Gibson, Aryan Anastacio, Orlando Reyes and Michael Pin for the 200m relay, set the new time record of 2:06.02.

Western Visayas soared high through Alexis Soqueno’s score of 1.92m in the High Jump category and, exceeded the former record of 1.90m set in the year 2002.

The 1500m run event stands to be Mindanao’s specialty, as athletes Camila Tubiano, Jie Anne Calis and Kevin Capangpangan shattered records, with their time of 4:48.7, 4:44.4 and 4:05.8 respectively. Silver medalist Gilbert Rutaquio from CALABARZON, almost reached Capangpangan’s time by a second.

With the challenge-stage set and preparations near its completion, the Department of Education (DepEd) hopes that the athletes of the 2015 Palarong Pambansa will see last year’s achievements as a goal to surpass and their names be immortalized in history.

Sports. Education. Opportunities.

Tweet

These are some of the best words that describe Palarong Pambansa. One of Palaro’s highlights over the past years is the Special Games category where children with special needs (CSNs) are able to showcase their sporting talents to the community.

The Special Games are composed of Athletics (100M, 200M, 400M, 4X100M, Shot put, Running & Standing long jump), Swimming (50M Backstroke, Breastroke, Freestyle), Goal ball and Bocce – a ball sport closely related to bowling.

Education Secretary Br. Armin Luistro FSC presents Palaro as a means to support the Department’s commitment to provide equal educational opportunities for all learners. “Ang Palarong Pambansa, kagaya ng edukasyon, ay inclusive o bukas sa lahat. Wala itong pinipili, wala itong itinatangi. Ito ay para sa lahat na may pusong handang magpunyagi upang sa dulo ay magwagi” he said.

Athletes with intellectual disability, visual impairment and those who are orthopedically handicapped will have a chance to be scouted to compete in international events. Among the notable Palaro Special Games athletes are Merill Jean Derama, John Brian Menosa and Lizamel Dayon - all of whom competed in the 2011 Special Olympics held in Athens, and swimmers Jonalyn Hernando and Marco Tinamisan – both with no limbs.

Amidst the sea of 10,000 Palaro participants are the 850 Special Games athletes, set to be welcomed by the province of Davao del Norte. 

Palarong Pambansa has also been a gateway for CSN’s to prove that they can exceed expectations with their athletic capabilities. Their perseverance and dedication to their trainings serve as an eye-opener that breaks down barriers of marginalization.

Palaro 2015 host sets benchmark for future Palarong Pambansa

Tweet

Thirty eight (38) days before the opening, Palarong Pambansa 2015 host Davao del Norte received outstanding marks from Education Secretary Br. Armin Luistro FSC during the official launch held in Tagum City, Thursday (March 26).

Luistro commended the preparations and said Davao del Norte could establish a benchmark for all future editions of the annual Palaro.

“It’s really the first time that I really feel and can sense that we are one month ahead of the preparations for the Palarong Pambansa. Maraming-maraming salamat po sa probinsiya ng Davao del Norte at sa ating sanggunian ng Tagum City at sa lahat po ng mga kasama natin dahil parang hindi po kami masyadong harassed sa Palarong Pambansa 2015. In fact, way, way ahead of schedule, lahat po ng ating mga opisyales ay nagpakita na hindi naman pala kailangan parati tayong naghahabol at sana ito na nga po yung ating standard for a benchmark for succeeding Palarong Pambansa,” Luistro said.

He added that he was impressed by how Davao del Norte Governor Rodolfo Del Rosario, kept his promise of delivering a remarkable and “the best Palarong Pambansa thus far.”

“Kahit po mag-ikot na kayo doon sa mga venues, gaya ng ating mga Regional Directors ay naririto so that they can see for themselves how much preparation has already been done prior to the opening of Palarong Pambansa. I am so certain that our friends in Media, our general public, will be very pleased with what they see,” Luistro praised.

A pleasant addition to this year’s Palaro is the comprehensive guidebook featuring the billeting schools, playing venues, safety and security, and other essential details that athletes and spectators will need to know once the event commences. During the launch, the song “Palaro ng Pagkakaisa” sung by local favorite Maan Milan, was presented as the official theme song of the 58th Palarong Pambansa.

With the advanced groundwork accomplished by Davao del Norte LGU, DepEd can now focus on the real purpose of the Palaro—to ensure the well-being of the athletes and their coaches, and to assure the development of another world-class facility in one of our country’s provinces.

DepEd: Palaro 2015 to highlight peace and camaraderie

Tweet

What started in 1948 as a quaint inter-school sporting event in Manila became an annual petri dish of discipline, teamwork, excellence, solidarity, and sportsmanship among others.

This event is now popularly known as the Palarong Pambansa.

Over the last 65 years, Palarong Pambansa has produced outstanding athletes in different fields of sports. The road to their success, however, was paved not only by victories but also by defeats and humbling experiences. As such, the Palaro has served as a training ground for opportunities and challenges.

Conducted and spearheaded by the Department of Education (DepEd), Palaro became the pinnacle event of student athletes who are hailed as regional champions in their respective hometowns after a series of sporting events starting from the school-level to the district, provincial and regional level. The thumping heart of this year’s Palaro “Breaking Borders, Building Peace”, signifies peace and unity in religion diversity through athletic rivalry and camaraderie.

Education Secretary Br. Armin A. Luistro FSC emphasizes, “More than being a sports event, Palaro depicts the crucial role of sports in inculcating a sense of well-roundedness among the Filipino youth. This year, we are taking it further by not only aiming to produce holistic and strategic-minded young individual, we are also promoting respect for fellowmen regardless of religion, ethnicity or gender." 

In line with this, DepEd Tagum City division office recently held the "Run for Palaro 2015"—a fun run event where more than 3,000 runners participated to help raise additional funds for the Palaro athletes and coaches.

DepEd recognizes the significance of sports in developing the youth’s full potential to become globally competitive citizens while contributing greatly to building the nation. Hence, the Department puts a premium on the Palaro as an avenue to showcase the abilities of future Filipino world class athletes.

The 58th Palarong Pambansa will be held on May 3-9 in the city of Tagum, Davao del Norte. More than 10,000 athletes from both public and private elementary and secondary schools are expected to compete in various sporting events. Playing fields, billeting, hygiene facilities and provision for nourishment are already in place for the athletes, coaches and trainers participating in the week-long sports development program.