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: A special moments with Lina, long-jumper student athlete

Tweet

There are many interesting situations you can see in a national event like the 2015 Palarong Pambansa where more than 12,000 participants, compete and do their best to win. 

Here's about an amazing story.

Lina Abando

Lina Abando, the 9-year-old athlete participant in the long-jump competition in the Palarong Pambansa 2015, being held in Tagum City, Davao del Norte.

A short conversation with Lina, she showed us that a little girl in the Kalinga mountain is happy and honest while sharing her life.

She became an student athlete and made it to the 2015 Palarong Pambansa for the first time. Gladly to be in. She told us and thankful that her mother gave her P20 as her "pocket money" so she have to use in the entire event from May 3 - 9.  

The Deped and sponsors provide the student athletes their food, accomodation and all things they need. 

In an interview, one asked her what would she do to the cash prize when she wins. "Isasauli ko sa nanay ko ang 20 pesos na bigay nya," she replied. 

With laughs and one asked her "walang interes?" First she said, "wala po." When asked her why she’d only give back 20 pesos only. She said she will use the money to buy school supplies. 

But after in a while she told us "ibibigay ko po 40 pesos." We smiled and love her because of her being candid and her inspiring moments she shared.

What do she wants to be when she grows up ? An adorable and charmed Lina said "gusto ko po maging doktor ng mga aso.” She wants to be a vet doctor.

What makes her special? I'm in tears actually. 

Having a disability can make life so difficult, especially when you’re a little kid who just wants to play and do all the other things that your classmates get to do.

Very special, happy and inspiring young girl. 

Lina is partially blind.

That’s why it’s so wonderful when we see a child overcome their disability and get a shot at a better life.

Athletes with intellectual disability, visual impairment and those who are orthopedically handicapped will have a chance to be scouted to compete in international events. 

“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.” -  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. (Sports, Education, Oportunities)

Photo: Arts Travel Magazine 

#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

Palarong Pambansa 2015 : Ella, the "Pulot Girl" becomes the tennis champ

Tweet

Tennis is one of the sports feature at the 2015 Palarong Pambansa, an annual multi-level national scholastic athletic competition conducted by the Department of Education and participated in by the elementary and secondary students both from public and private schools.

Known as an Olympic sport, Tennis is played at all levels of society and at all ages. A sport that can be played by anyone who can hold a racquet. People known Tennis is played by elite group because, tennis racquet is expensive. Not everyone can buy expensive tennis racquet and can play in a tennis court to pay for rent on number of hours.

Holding now in Tagum City, Davao del Norte, Palarong Pambansa where students athletes play Tennis games. Who could have thought they can play an elite sports. 

One young and simple girl is now a Tennis player, even she has nothing to buy tennis racquet and even the clothes she use to play in a tennis court with the professional players or with the elite group of society. 

She is Mikaela Joy L. Javier, known as the "Pulot Girl" of Isabella, Region 2. 

Why? Ella, 16 year-old, and just graduateed from Magsaysay National High School in Alicia, Isabela. With her family, living near a tennis court where professional players regulary play. She was the "Pulot Girl" when she was 11 years old, tasked to get the tennis balls, retrieve for the players in exchange for a few pesos. She earned 40Php per hour, she uses in her school needs and was able to help her parents in their daily expenses. She even earned 300Php a day being the "Pulot Girl."

"Nagsimula po ako nagpulot, noon na naglalakad po ako sa tennis court, nakita ko po mga cousin ko po, sabi po nya sa akin, maganda dun at mababait yung mga tao," Ella shared.

"Isang araw pumasok po ako tapos may nagtanong kung namumulot ako ng tennis balls and sabi ko, opo. Pero kung susubukan mo at mag tennis ka wala ng balikan, ituloy tuloy mo na kasi makakatulong din ito sa iyo." Ella said.

She have love playing Tennis. When one player asked her to try to play, she said yes. That's the starting of her training, focus on her studies and tennis plays, and became a member of the school's varsity team.

She's happy because her friends and co-players are good people. They support each other, "masaya po sa paglalaro ng tennis kasi mababait po din 'yung mga kasama ko, magaan po kasi yung pag-approach ng tennis players, hindi po sila 'yung, pagkapasok mo, ay sino ka, hindi po ganun. Madalas po nag offer sila ng tinapay."

Regularly training, with her exceptional skills, she won medals in competitions. "Yung pong unang competition ko, yun po 'yung ginagawa ng coach na nagtuturo sa amin, pinaglaban-laban po kami, sabi po nya sige sali ka na tingnan natin kung ano mangyayari, nung una nga po hindi pa ako makakasama kasi wala po akong pera. . . for registration. Pero sobrang bait po ni coach at mga kasama ko kaya po nakasama ako at natuwa po talaga ako kasi naging first po ako dun, natuwa din po ako at gusto ko na po ang tennis."

"Pangatlong sali ko na po ito sa Palaro pero masaya po ako kasi maraming nakikilala at natututunan," said Ella, one of the delegates of Cagayan Valley Regional Athletics Association of their region to compete for the Tennis Sport Event in Palarong Pambansa 2015.

Giving inspiration to young students, "ang masasabi ko po sa mga sasali sa Palaro o mag tetennis, dapat po may disiplina at palagi lang po mag-training."

Ella will soon be entering college and she still choosing among the three college institutions with full scholarship offers. She wants to be a Teacher. 

Passion, determination and hardship, shaped this young "Pulot Girl" to a unbeatable tennis player champion. In the future, a full scholar college girl will become big someone in the society.

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.