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

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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.

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

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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

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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

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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

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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

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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.

Palaro 2015 host sets benchmark for future Palarong Pambansa

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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

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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. 

Tagum City is Palarong Pambansa 2015 venue

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After careful deliberation, officials of the Department of Education (DepEd) have selected Tagum City, Davao del Norte to host the 2015 Palarong Pambansa. 

The city beat out five other bidders – Dipolog City, Pagadian City, Koronadal City, Lanao del Norte province, and CARAGA region.

Before announcing the results of the vote, Education Secretary Br Armin Luistro FSC asked for the support of the cities that were not selected. 

“This is a vote for Mindanao. This year we were surprised at the number of bidders. We hope that we still have your support.”

When asked what he expected from the host Luistro replied, “The only thing we need to expect is for Tagum to deliver.” He added, “Ang maganda sa Tagum ay mukhang handa na ang lahat. Hindi na kailangan pa ng dagdag na buwang preparasyon.”

The Palarong Pambansa is held in May with hosting duties rotating yearly among the island groups.

Competitive bidding

Months before the official presentation, DepEd and Philippine Sports Commission officials inspected each venue to see if the facilities and billeting areas are adequate. PSC Commissioner Jose Luis Gomez reported to the body the rating system that they used, which included international standards, distance from the main complex, power supply, and security, among others. DepEd’s Schools Sports Events and Activities Unit Head Cesar Abalon reported on the status of the billeting areas, which are evaluated based on the adequacy of rooms, bathrooms, kitchen areas and medical provisions.

Based on the criteria, Tagum City garnered the highest points. According to Gomez, the local government had already upgraded its facilities, which were used to host PSC’s Batang Pinoy competitions in 2013.

Philippine Sports Commission (PSC) Chair Ricardo Garcia congratulated all the bidders. “I am impressed with the way everyone conducted themselves. The PSC will definitely consider one of you to host Batang Pinoy and our other events in 2015.”

Palarong Pambansa Law

Palarong Pambansa 2015 will be the first national games to be held under the Palarong Pambansa Law (RA 10588) signed May 27, 2014, which mandates the creation of a Palarong Pambansa Board as the lead policy-making and coordinating body for the preparation and conduct of the games. The Board shall be composed of the DepEd Secretary as Chairperson, a DepEd Undersecretary, two (2) DepEd Assistant Secretaries, the Chairman of the PSC, the President of the Philippine Olympic Committee (POC) and Secretary of the Department of the Interior and Local Government (DILG)