The Torch-Palarong Pambansa 2018-Issue No. 3

Photo by Kenneth Raguindin Region V’s wonder girl Lheslie De Lima clocked 10:06:54 to
capture thefirstgoldfor BicolRegioninthe3000-meterrace,outrunning
8 other regionalchampion runners here at theQuirino Stadium,Bantay
Ilocos Sur as the Palaro 2018 weather temperature soared to 42 degrees
centigrade.

Brushing off a late surge challenge by Camila Tubiano of Region X
(Northern Mindanao), barefooted De Lima dashed home alone although
she failed to break the old Palaro record of 10.03.04. Tubiano settled for
silver. Grace Tejones of Region VI (Western Visayas) was timed 10.52.99 for
3rd place.

“I went barefooted because I’m more at ease without my shoes. But it’s
my determination and will power that propelled me to victory,” she said.

De Lima’s victory is the first gold earned by Bicol Region. She is a close
relative of former DOJ Secretary and Senator Leila De Lima whom she
dedicatedhervictory.(PaulineLouiseArucan,Melburga ImeldaPeña &Charles
Bernal)

National Capital Region’s Adrian E. Photo by Charles Bernal
Samudio’s superb triple jump leap registered
a distance of 11.46 meters, enough to earn Region III’s Allandrei Baniaga
NCR’s first gold in the Elementary Boys’ copped the bronze medal with his
Triple Jump at the Elpidio Quirino Stadium, personal best leap of 11.25 meters.
Bantay, Ilocos Sur, April 16, 2018.
“Sa dalawang buwan kong
Samudio earlier finished off with just pagsasanay, tiwala lang sa sarili at gabay
11.3 meters but his final jump outdistanced ng Panginoon ang naging inspirasyon
Region VIII’s jumper Juan Dave O. Timtim ko)” (In my two months of training, I
whose final leap measured only 11:35 meters for learned to trust myself and God), he
a silver finish. said. (Pauline Louise b. Arucan and
Melburga Imelda Pea)

BANTAY, ILOCOS SUR- NCR stand-out Jerard Region 5’s Guevarra overpowers
Jacinto, a 4 - time Palaro gold medalist, vowed to break his
own record in swimming as he prepares for the 2018 Palarong ARMM’s Manalas
Pambansa at the Quirino Grandstand swimming pool,
yesterday morning. SAN ILDEFONSO, ILOCOS susunod kong laban,”(I am happy of my
SUR-GlydelMarieGuevarraof theBicol performance in this match and I promise to
The promising youth swimmer showed optimism Vulcans played precisiondrop shots and give my best for the
that he can beat his 2017 Palaro swimming record time of dizzying serves for an easy walk-in-the upcoming match)
2:09.87 in the 200m backstroke (secondary boys category) and park 8-0 victory over Mighty ARMM’s Guevara added.
hoped to resethis 100m backstroke record inthe process. Jerard Fatima Clarence Manalas in the on-
was also a member of the NCR quartet who broke the record Guevarra started
in the 4x50m and 4x100m medley relay events. going elimination round for lawn tennis joining Palarong
girls (elementary).
The multi-awarded swimmer assured he is one Pambansa in
hundred percentready despite his on-off training records.When Guevarra, who has been a perenial Grade III and
asked about his upcoming event on April 17 onwards, he PalarongPambansacontender,unleashedher hopes to
predicted that the NCR–CALABARZONrivalry willbe powerful serves with an array of crisp snatch the
a t stake again. With his notable forehand, backhand and volley strokes to gold in the
outclass Manalas.
accomplishments in 2018
the field of “Nakita ko angdeterminasyon ng bata Pa l a r o n g
swimming, he na manalo at dahil dito puspusan ang aming Pam ba nsa
further wishes to be ginawang paghahanda para sa laban.” (I saw lawn tennis
recognized as a her determination to win and this moved us competition.
world-class to exert all effort in the preparation for the (Jennifer D.
swimmer. (Joseph U. game) Vulcan’s coach Roniel Andrada said Savellano,Fahd
Dulatre and Thomas after the game.
Sumbad) Benedict
“Masaya ako sa performance ko sa Agbulos
match na ito at gagalingan ko pa sa mga Aubrey Somera) &

2

Region 7 kickers rout Region IV-A, X

BANTAY, ILOCOS SUR- The Coach Glen Ramos created the THE REGION 7 Kickers (in blue) slug it out with the CALABARZON Heroes
dreaded Region 7 Fighters’ football “very positive” atmosphere to sweep during the final day of football eliminations at the Quirino Stadium this
squad (elementary level) lived up to its all his boys’ games with 4 of his last morning.
defending champion status by zeroing year’s champion team players forming
Northern Mindanao, 4-0, yesterday and the core of his team. NCR Stalwarts thumps Region VIII Golden Stingers,
returned to the football grounds this
morning tomercilessly demolish Region “The opponents are aggressive, Fuelled with bedazzling Stounty Bandola displayed
IV-A (CALABARZON), 7-0, behind a however in terms of technical ability,
rampage of goals from the dreaded we are ahead, yet we need to and enthralling spikes, brawny what he got as he fired 5 points
tandem of Joseph Garces and Carlsten strengthen our attacking strategy,” he Metro Stalwarts entombed to led his team in an easy first
Pumareja at the Quirino Stadium here. said. doughty Golden Stingers in a set, 25-20
straight set 25-20, 25-22 during
Earlier on the opening day, Region In the game with Region IV-A, Determined Stingers gave
7 also blanked Region IV-B Ramos said the key to their victory the elimination round of the their best,holding their breath,
(MIMAROPA), 4-0, to record a 3-0 win was good preparation including daily Men’s Volleyball Team collaborated 13 big points to
and came out No. 1 in the elimination training and good diet. Secondary of Palarong quench the fire of their
rounds. Pambansa 2018 at the jam- adversary but the dauntless
Garces and Pumareja, both packed Sta.Catalina Municipal Stalwarts did’nt gave up aa
In the battle with Northern
Mindanao (Region X), central defender mainstays at Don Bosco School in
and field attackerNathan Lingatong and
John Philip Tabar led a balanced Cebu scored 2 goals apiece against
teamwork attack tofinish off the enemy
withdirectfreekicksand close-rangegoal CALABARZON and credited much
kicks.
of their elims victories to their rigid
Gym, April 16.
training under Coach Ramos. (Grace

Garcia/Edward Antonio/DJ Tom

Sumbad

Reymark Reyes dominated the
Photo by Peter Gadia Tenacious Maki Bandola seevice area with consecutive

of the Stalwarts unveiled his service aces to totally snatch the
galactic tactics as he marked 8 momentum,25-22. (Lorena
points-5 kills, 2 blocks and a Cabanit and AC Salazar)
service ace.

Sports Council holds Dance Sport Congress

GEARING UP. Golden Stingers catchers all set for a strike out as they aim Coaches and athletes in the Yango, a former 5-time
to upset Green Hawks, April 16. (Photo Credit: Peter Gadia) Palaro exhibition event called Dance undefeated National Champion in
Sport converged in a one-day Dance Sports,Professional Division,also
Golden Stingers clinches 2nd win, Congress organized by the DepEd explained the competition rules and
and Dance Sport Council of the challengedthe coachestopopularize and
stun Green Hawks Philippines (DSCP) at the NSCC educate their respectiveregionsondance
Function Hall, Caoayan, Ilocos Sur, sports.
VIGAN CITY - The Eastern “Siguro ang lamang namin April 16.
Visayas’ Golden Stingers stung to “Huwag iwanan ang mga bata
submission Cagayan Valley Green sa kabila ay ‘yong training na National Tournament para sa karangalan ng bayan. Today
Hawks, 4-2, paving way for their Manager in Dance Sport Ana Dulce is just one day, tomorrow is another
second winning streak in the ginawa namin.Talagang B. Yango led the series of lectures story,” advised Yangco to the
Secondary Baseball Boys conducted by the DSCP Officials by coaches.
Elimination Round at the Tamag naghanda kami at ginawa talaga focusing on the history and
Baseball Field, April 16. background, technical rules, Other lecturers in the one-day
namin ang lahat na sinasabi ni education and training system for Congress were Winnie Canlas, National
The Stingers of Region 8 notched coaches and athletes and Scrutineer and Gilbert Bonus, Edgar
4th place in Palarong Pambansa 2017 in coach,” (Maybe our edge from emphasized the necessity of giving Borromeo, Alberto Dimarucut and
Antiqueandnotchedanearly winagainst license to teachers to adjudicate in Genice Marquez who are all national
Zamboanga Peninsula, 9-1, yesterday. them was our rigorous training dance sports events. adjudicators from DSCP. (Saniata M.
Piano)
Fuelled by their ardent prior to Palaro. We worked hard
determination to capture the coveted Photo by Saniata Piano
championship tilt, the Golden Stingers and followed to letters what our
and the Green Hawks flaunted strong
in-field defense for a 0-0 score in the 1st coach advised us) Stinger Cer
two innings. Getting momentum after
a slow start,the Golden Stingers’ perfect Gio L. Gorpido said.
pitcher-catcher combination and a solid
field defense leftthe GreenHawksbiting “Talagang lahat ay
the dust and Eastern Visayas threatened
to pull away. The Green Hawks strived nagtatrabaho. Bawat isa ay may
to catch up after hitting 2 homeruns but
the Golden Stingersregainedtheir might kanya-kanyang role,”
for a 4-2 victory.
(Everybody worked hard.

Everyone performed his

assigned task well) he said.

The Eastern Visayas

batters vowed to sweep their

rivals in the eliminations as they

look forward in dethroning

National Capital Region, the

baseball champ in last year’s

Pa l a r o. ( Pe t e r V. G a d i a J r. , “It’s not just about the gold, it’s building citizens.”Ana Dulce B. Yangco,
National Tournament Manager on Dance Sport communicates to the coaches
Jocelyn D. Sabrido, Jean Ishrael and athletes the technical rules on Dance Sport.

Dulay, Antonio P. Regunton)

BIG BREAK for ILOCOS SUR 3

Finally, the Palaro is here! Sure Ilocos Sur! billeting quarters, playing venues and of course THE PALARO TORCH
Ilocos Sur finally is now hosting the biggest the famous Quirino Stadium.
sports competition throughout the country – the Editorial Board
Palarong Pambansa 2018. The Quirino Stadium is one of the bests that
The hosting of this gigantic national Ilocos Sur could offer. Accesorized with artificial Editor-in-Chief
competition marks another milestone in the life of grass and turf, blue rubberized running oval and Lydia T. Liclican
every Ilocos Surian, as it followed the celebration of more, the venue has gained numerous positive Associate Editor
the 200th founding anniversary of the province. public reactions. Many of the delegations claimed Maria Concepcion A. Iglesias
These double celebrations provide not only an that the venue is a really a one of a kind world class Feature Editors
avenue for every Ilocano to showcase the rich arena and a quality place to host big events like Maria Novena A. Sarmiento, Frances
culture of the province but also give them the this. A part of its history was the first international Jocelle Singson, Jenny Rose Arenas
opportunity to watch first-hand the best games of matchbetween thePhilippineAzkalsandAustralian News Editors
the best players from the 17 regions of the country. Club Perth Glory FC held last June 26, 2016. Mark Manzano, Saniata M. Piano, Edlyn
It is definitely true that the preparation of Arranz, Susana Vicerra, Irene Javillonar
this big day for Ilocos Sur was so tedious and The Provincial Government of Ilocos Sur in Sports Editors
entailed a lot of effort., time, resources and energy. partnership with the Department of Education- Edward Antonio, Daniel Cuenca Jr.,
From time to time, the Department of Education Ilocos Sur, is more than proud in hosting Palarong Marvin Tacal, Aniceto Pagaling Jr.,
and the Provincial Government headed by Pambansa 2018. They both ensure that every Thomas Sumbad, Pablo Tabin, Jr.
Governor Ryan Luis Singson conducted series of delegate will not just compete for gold nor silver or Field Writers
meetings to ensure that the hosting would be at its bronze but also savour the fun-filled experiences Marvin Inay, Rose Joy Lagmay, Imelda
verybest. Manpowerand otherlogistics havebeen while riding on calesa or relishing the tasty and Peña, Pauline Arucan, Jocelyn Sabrido,
prepared which includes the improvement of crispy empanada while walking in Calle Crisologo Karrina June Panelo, Augie Boy
to sense the atmosphere of home away from home. Lorenzana, Arlyn Bautista, April Bobiles,
Kizzel Mina, Jean Ishrael Dulay, Antonio
True Spirit of Winning Regunton, Jhoana Lyn Andres, Irene
The opening of the 61st Palarong Pambansa at eating bagnet, one of the famous cuisines in Ilocos Balasan, Ria Samelin, Mary Joy Ligayo,
President Elpidio Quirino Stadium in Bantay, Ilocos Sur. To achieve it, every athlete must perform his Richard Moreno, Mary Joy Lardizabal
Sur was really spectacular because of the presence very best. Not only that, determination and strong Julius Antonio, Sharon Castillo, Paul
of President Rodrigo Duterte as guest of honor and will of our athletes are also important factors that Francis Banatin, Marjorie Quijano, Mary
speaker, and some famous Filipino athletes like contribute to the success of a particular team. Joy Aubrey Utrera, Liezl Heraña, Leah
Paeng Nepomuceno (bowling), Efren Bata Reyes But behind the success of every contingent are Montilla, Arlene Ragunjan,Gerlie dela
(billards), Onyok Velasco (boxing), Eric Buhain the people who are responsible in achieving their Rosa, Jennifer Requilman, Joseph Dulatre,
(swimming), Lydia De Vega (athletics) and among PALARO goal—the administration, coaches or Flordelina Lascota, Jasmin M. Abella,
others who also show their support to the young trainers, the water boy or girl, and among others Jennie Savellano, Joselito Leal, Ferdinand
athletes. who, in one way or the other, contributed much to Legaspi, Lorna Halabaso, Fahd Agbulos,
One of the main objectives why Palarong attainthesaidsuccess. They, whospentagreatdeal Grace Garcia, Jennifer Savellano, Michelle
Pambansa is held is to develop athletes of of time and effort, are also instrumental for the Vilog, Neil Kim Collado, Kristy Ann
international caliber. It also aims to bring players, remarkable performances of our athletes. Guerero, Jeric Aren Dedicatoria, Shirley
coaches, and officials together in one main event. Aside fromthecertificates, medals, trophies, and Daño, Elvie Ribuyaco, Aileen Anselmo,
Engaging ourselves in sports competition like other incentives they will receive, they deserve also Allen Abo, Delfin Irorita, Avelyn Joyce
PALARO is an excellent way to unite everybody. It is therational commendationtheydeservetoreceive. Flores,Lorena Cabanit, Erika Karen
not important whether we win or lose the game, as With the necessary spirit and manner, our Eleccion, Karen De Leon
long as we fight and do our best in the game. We PALAROcontingentshopefullywillstillsparkleforthe Photojournalists
join in the competition to bond with one another. years to come not only in the next Palarong Manuel Zacarias, Claire Tagasa, Charles
With this year’s theme “Championing the Spirit Pambansa, but also in the international sports Bernal, Paul Benedict Yacap, Juan Carlos
of Young Filipino Athletes”, all delegates of the competition like ASEAN and Olympic Games. Iglesias, Winette Sanidad, Aubrey
seventeen regionsin thecountryareunitedtoshow In this year’s PALARO, we all have the same goal Somera, Dharen-Jake Garcia, Allen
sportsmanship throughout the duration of the as we come up and contend with others—to win! Bolesa, Kenneth Raguindin, Darwin
PALARO. Likewise,weallknowthateverycontingent The spirit of sportsmanship must surmount in all Mendoza, Arnel Bacnis, Nathaniel
aims for the gold and overall championship. athletes, coaches, and officials of the game. Santella, Peter Gadia, Jr., Reymund
Jimenez, Marilyn Raciles
Layout Artists
Mark Lovis Galanga, Rhoda Mae
Aguimbag, Myrone Troy Dulatre, Joemar
Regua, Ade John Gestole, Abihail Agcaoili,
Annaliza Gray
Circulation Managers/Encoders
Giovani Ulanimo, Melinda Revibes,
Maribeth Bista, Rodelyn Lazo,
Lovella Cubangbang
Ruth Miranda, Marilou Rialubin,
Rhoda Mae Aguimbag
Medal Tallyists
Leilani Navarro and Lamberto Rosario

Asst. Adviser
Mr. Marlon G. Taloza

Adviser
Dr. Maria Salome R. Abero

Consultants
Dr. Arnel C. Doctolero
Ms. Gemma Q. Tacuycuy, CESO V
Dr. Alma Ruby C. Torio, CESO III

Grabbing the championship title is not as easy as Mabuhay!

4

5

Distance does not mean story ng pamilya naming. Kahit mag- them to where they are at the
isolation; instead, it is a challenge. isa lang si Mama, nagabyan niya ako moment and they would want
With determination and nang maayos,” she expressed. everyone especially their fellow
perseverance, no obstacle hinders youth to observe these in their
one’s goal not even the sea nor the Their quest to Palaro was never journey.
sky. Chances are freely given to those a piece of cake. Along the way, they
who have the courage to face had met numerous challenges that In a nutshell, John Lloyd and
challenges and prove oneself the really tested them. Jasmine are just two of the many
worth of being a contender ready to adolescents who aspire to
compete anyone from anywhere. Meanwhile, one of Jasmine’s experience Palaro. The mere effort,
challenges was her rank in previous dedication and aim to be in this
Notwithstanding exclusivity, Palaros. year’s Palarong Pambansa are more
athletes from the most northern part than a proof that these contenders
of the archipelago venture their “Pagkatapos ng magandang from the island-province of Batanes
potentials in order to showcase the simula, hindi na ito nasundan dahil sa are truly winners. Best luck awaits
best of their capacities not to lag mga sumunod na mga taon, hindi na and cheers…cheers…cheers! (Dharen
behind to this year’s Palarong ako nakakuha ng medalya pero Jake R. Garcia, Aubrey S. Somera,
Pambansa. thankful pa rin ako kasi nakapasok Arlyn Bautista)
ako sa top. Yun nga lang, walang
Such a challenge exemplifies medalya. Syempre, pressure sa akin
sports valor and patriarchal attitudes iyun. Naranasan ko na mag-uwi ng
to which sports enthusiasts and medalya at gusting-gusto kong
aspirants sustain in order to prove maramdaman ulit yung ganung
capabilities in excelling to their katinding kasiyahan” she uttered.
respective choice of sports.
She added, “Naranasan ko na
The young, vibrant, and din po ang mag-isa last year sa
spirited beings from Batanes – John Antique. Alam niyo po ba yung
Lloyd D. Come, a 17-year-old Grade feeling na mag-isa ka lang na
11 javelin thrower of Itbud Integrated kumatawan sa probinsya niyo?
School and Jasmine Remolino,17-
year-old shotput and discuss throw However, with her good
athlete of same grade level at personality, she was able to deal with
Batanes National Science High her issue and met friends whom she
School, wholeheartedly and felt accepted and understood.
courageously take the prestige and
responsibility as the only At a young age, John Lloyd and
representatives of their world- Jasmine realized, through their
envying province with great positivity experiences, that what will bring
and humility. someone to success are passion,
hard work, and faith on Him. They
Unlike John Lloyd who is just a agreed that these really brought
first-timer in Palaro, Jasmine
Remolino has been the face of the
province and the region for six years
in the Pambansang Palaro. In her first
Palaro experience when she was in
Grade 6, she had her first taste of
pride and glory for reaping the silver
medal in shotput.

“Ang sarap sa pakiramdam! Iba
talaga yung feeling kapag nabibigyan
mo ng pagkilala ang probinsya mo.
Maski hindi naging maganda ang

6

Arnis is known to be as the disarming techniques, Bicol mastered the fighting style of the said sport
Philippines’ National Sport and Martial Art. Region started to include arnis in including the use of edged weapons such as
This was developed by the indigenous their sports activities in 1996 kampilans, rattan, swords, daggers or spears.
populations of the Philippines and used it through the initiative of the late
for combat and self-defense. According to Mr. Ramon Lubus, PESS “Training our athletes needs a lot
history, Lapu-Lapu and the other Filipino SuperintendentofBicol together of patience. It entails lot of hard work,
islanders defeated Ferdinand Magellan and with Mr. Al Pelgone, currently the sacrifice, and focus. My athletes need to be
his men through their fearsome arnis President DepEd Arnis flexible at all times so they could master all
abilities. Association of the Philippines and their stunts especially the team so that they
the National Tournament will be synchronized in all of their moves,” say
Inspired by its encompassing Mr. Ardan Cenita and Mr. Alejo Hilario, the
hand-to-hand combat, grappling, and Manager of Arnis. Then trainors.
finally in 1998, Arnis
Photo by: Charles C. Bernal was already Justine Trixiane Quililan and Katrina
included in the Liane Paladin both gold medalist during last
Bicol Region year’s Palarong Pambansa were both happy
Athletic that they were able to qualify and join
events. again this year’s Palarong Pambansa.
Athletes
of Bicol Bicol Region Arnis Team
both elementary and secondary
brought withthemtheirfearless and
courageous athletes who are very
much ready to go for gold medals.
Mrs. Arlene Cenita said that Bicol
Region will always continue to soar
and fly highin arnis. (Maribeth Bista)

Excitement builds up as This is the second time awards. Last 2015, he started as
Palarong Pambansa 2018 is set he will swim against other a Palaro player at Davao del Norte
to kick-off. The games are filled disabled athletes. Samuel is and won 2 silvers in freestyle and
with many inspiring stories like unfazed by people who make fun backstroke. He conquered CAVRAA
this one from a young swimmer of his disability. by capturing 7 gold medals and 2
in Cagayan Valley. silvers. He is now ready to display
“Okay lang po na formidable guts in this Palaro 2018.
Samuel Tugawin is an pagtawanan nila ako, hinahayaan
18-year-old swimmer from ko nalang ang mga ibang tao Samuel says training is hard
Quezon, Nueva Vizcaya. He dahil ito ang ibinigay sakin” (It’s but determined to win gold and
developed his love in swimming okay with me when they make make his parents and 5 siblings
living nearby a river. Like his fun of me. I don’t care about proud. Her coach Maybel was
teammates he is excited, but other people because this is inspired by his determination.
nervous for Palarong Pambansa, what God gave me), Liwanon “Manalo, matalo, ikaw pa rin ang
the country’s largest sporting said. panalo sa amin” (Win or lose, you’re
event. Samuel is under the still the winner to us), she added.
special events, above the knee Despite of the different
category. challenges he encountered like Even if he’s a 1-leg
dropping in school last 2016 due swimmer, he keeps his other
Maybel Liwanon, Coach to financial problem, his foot on the ground but shines
of Samuel: Kahit pagod na siya, swimming track record is indeed the brightest in their group
kinakayanan niya kasi gusto niya commendable as he moved because of his positive outlook
talagang manalo ng gold (Even if forward and brought honor to in life. With all these, no doubt
he’s tired, he still goes on the province and to the school that the plane to life will take
because he really wants to win a when he received different him to fame. (Nathaniel S.
gold) Santella and Jennifer D.
Savellano)

7