Author: kingofpots

Rules & Regulations: 1st PAU National Championship/Guimaras

On By kingofpotsIn Insights, Jogging, Pictures, Places to Run, Races, Running, Sports Program, Travel, Ultramarathon2 Comments

Rules and Regulations: 1st PAU National Championship/September 15, 2012/Guimaras

1. Runners will assemble in front of the Provincial Capitol of Guimaras at 11:00 PM of September 14,    2012 (Friday) for final    processing and for additional administrative announcements.

  1. The race starts at 12:01 AM of September 15, 2012 (Saturday) in front of the Provincial Capitol in Barangay San Miguel, Jordan, Guimaras.
  2. The PAU National Championship Ultramarathon Races consist of two (2) races which are both SOLO Runs. The run around the island has a distance of 110 Kilometers and the shorter distance will be a 50K run. Both races will start at the same time and will follow the same general direction of the route.
  3. The race will follow a Counter-Clockwise direction in running around the island. Runners will go South direction with Nueva Valencia as the first town to reach, then to Sibunag-San Lorenzo-Buenavista-Jordan. The 50K runners will finish at a designated point in Sibunag/San Lorenzo area. All runners will be passing along the Circumferential Road of the Island Province.
  4. Always stay on the LEFT side of the road facing the incoming traffic.
  5. Runners should always run/walk on SINGLE FILE on the left side of the road.
  6. There will be NO Pacers for these races. NO Bandits will be allowed.
  7. Runners shall have the option to be assisted with support vehicle or on self-support mode. There will be Mobile Aid Stations along the route which will “leap-frog” every 5-8 kilometers or shorter, depending on the range of distance from the leading and last runners. These Mobile Aid Stations could also be made as repository for Drop Bags of the Runners.
  8. Only 4-wheeled vehicles are allowed as support vehicles. Motorcycles, Bicycles, and Tricycles are NOT allowed as Support Vehicles.
  9. Runners will provide his/her own Hydration Belt/System as we will not be allowing the use of plastic or Styrofoam cups.
  10. The Mobile Aid Stations will have Water, Gatorade, Soda, Boiled Eggs, Boiled Bananas, and other Bite Foods available in the locality. Runners are still encouraged to bring Cash with them as there are barangays and populated areas that could offer eateries and sari-sari stores along the way.
  11. Runners are also encouraged to bring with them Headlight/Flashlight; First Aid Kit; Reflectorized Vest/Reflectorized      Tapes and Cellphone. These items will be inspected before the start of the run. The First Aid Kit should have enough cotton, sanitary gauze, medical adhesive tape, betadyne/iodine, and anti-biotic ointment. This will serve as temporary treatment of wounds/injury prior to the arrival of medical ambulance.
  12. There will be Road Marshalls on key intersection points along the route. Road Marshalls shall provide direction and at the same time will act as Checkpoints for Runners. Runners must be able TO MEMORIZE his/her Race Bib Number as the Road Marshalls shall be asking each runner’s Race Bib Number as he/she passes such Checkpoint.
  13. Race Bib shall be worn and always visible on the FRONT of the runner’s apparel.
  14. Cut-off time for the PAU 110K Race is 24 hours. The cut-off time for the PAU 50K Race is 11 Hours. Runners who will cross the finish line beyond these cut-off times will be declared Did Not Finish (DNF).
  15. Podium Finishers (1, 2, & 3 for the Men & Ladies) for each Race will receive Individual Trophies. Official Finishers will receive PAU Finisher’s Medal, Finisher’s Shirt, and the 1st PAU National Championship Finisher’s Certificate. Rankings will earn points for the PAU Runner of the Year Award for 2012.
  16. Drop Bags are allowed but they should be properly tagged with the NAME & RACE NUMBER of the runner. It is the responsibility of the runner to properly identify his/her drop bag and know the description of the vehicle where the drop bags are deposited.
  17. MP3s, IPods, and other devices with earphones are allowed. However, the volume should be moderate where one could still be alert and attentive on the sounds of incoming traffic and the barking of dogs. Expect the presence of dogs in populated areas along the route, most especially during night time. In case of dog attack, immediately stop and pick up anything on the ground which you can throw towards the animal or immediately point/focus your headlight/flashlight to the barking dog.
  18. Trekking Poles or Walking sticks are allowed but not mandatory.
  19. In case of emergency or report of not being able to continue the race, please report by calling or sending a text message to Cell phone # 0918-965-9895. Please state your name, race bib number, location, and reason of emergency/not being able to continue the race.
  20. SHIR-VET Hotel (near the Provincial Capitol) is the official base of the Secretariat. If you will be arriving on Thursday or Friday (daytime) in Jordan, Guimaras, you can pick-up your Race Packet and sign the Waiver by presenting to our staff your BPI Savings Deposit Slip Receipt. (Note: Remember to bring the Receipt as we are going to collect them). The GALVEZ Eatery/Restaurant located in front of the Provincial Capitol Complex will also serve as our Alternate Base for the processing of runners.
  21. Any violation and other Infraction of these Rules & Regulations shall be ground/reason for Disqualification in the Race. The decision of the Race Organizer/Director is Final.
  22. Let us maintain the Integrity of our PAU Races. Ultrarunners are NOT cheaters!

“I am Only A Blogger, And You Are Only A Reader”

On By kingofpotsIn Insights, Running9 Comments

I admit that I am ONLY a Blogger but I spend a lot of time in research and thinking process in order for me to come up with a post, whether it is about an information that I could share to my readers or about my experiences and observations as a runner and an athlete.

The Internet had created a lot of options and capability for anybody to express himself and share it across the world without any restrictions. A Blogger becomes the writer, editor, and the publisher all in ONE and the only satisfaction that he gets is the fact that he expressed his thoughts in writing with the hope that others will be able to read it. And such satisfaction is translated to the number of hits and followers that it will eventually have.

I could be considered as a “purist” blogger where I write about my running experiences and thoughts about running. Sometimes, I could share running events in the world which I want to be known by others. There are other times that I share tips and suggestions on running which I’ve experienced and worth to be known by “newbies” as well as average runners. As I progressed through the years, my blog became a “platform” for ultrarunning events which I wanted my readers to experience through fun runs and later as formal races. It gave birth to the BDM Races as well as the PAU Races which are almost in their 2nd and 3rd editions. Of course, it gave birth to the BDM 102 which is the “grand daddy” of all my events where it would be its 5th edition by next year. (Note: I am not a “mercenary” blogger!)

Having said everything, a blogger as purist as I am, I try to be original and creative in my own way because I am trying my best to be an average writer. If somebody would like to “copy and paste” my writings on any of my posts, it is very logical and reasonable that he must have to state my blog as his source. The same with the pictures that I’ve attached in most of my posts. In simple terms, show some RESPECT to one’s work.

This is the reason why I don’t respect news anchors and politicians who would seem to be reading a piece of article/news/information/speech  infront of you thinking that they have prepared their piece by themselves. The truth is that news anchors read news stories written for them by their news writers. Politicians read their speeches in public and in their respective chambers which are written by their staff who do the research and writing for them. Simply put, news anchors and politicians are JUST messengers/readers and they do not spend a single drop of sweat in writing their speech or item to read.

So, Mr Senator, you are just a messenger and a reader and you do not deserve to be respected at all since you don’t respect us who are bloggers. It would be best for you to go back in reading your TV “spoof” scripts and try your best to be a “copycat” of Dolphy.

Now, you are telling us that plagiarism is NOT A CRIME. It may not be a crime but it is a violation of Basic Writing & Research. But again, you will say that it was your staff who violated the “basics” in writing and research.

But if you continue defending yourself up to the ass of Marilyn Monroe, I could conclude that you failed in your basic elementary subject of….Good Manners & Right Conduct! Far worse, you don’t have the “balls” to account for your mistake and accept responsibility for it. Accountability and Responsibility, two BIG words that GOOD LEADERS adhere to for their reputation.

I rest my case, Mr Copycat Senator!

Result: 2nd PAU Fort Magsaysay To Dingalan 60K Ultra Run

On By kingofpotsIn Insights, Jogging, Pictures, Places to Run, Race Results, Running, Sports Program, Ultramarathon4 Comments

Event: 2nd PAU Fort Magsaysay To Dingalan 60K Ultra Run

Time & Date of Start: 4:00 AM August 26, 2012

Start & Finish Area: 7th Infantry Division Headquarters, Philippine Army, Fort Magsaysay, Palayan City & GINA’s Resort in Dingalan, Aurora

Type of Race: Road Race

Number of Starters: 117

Number of Finishers: 115

Number of Female Runners: 22

Cut-off Time: 11 Hours

Sponsors: 7th Infantry Division, PA; GINA’s Resort; PAU; & ALL THE RUNNERS.

RANK N   A   M   E T  I  M  E
1 Marcelo Bautista (Champion, CR) 5:22:23
2 Alfred Delos Reyes (1st Runner-Up) 6:27:08
3 Jerome Bautista (2nd Runner-Up) 6:31:16
4 Daryl Sevilla 6:38:59
5 Rayman Delos Angeles 6:43:59
6 Simon Pavel Miranda 6:44:31
7 Laurencio Ogerio 6:51:26
8 Jael Wenceslao 6:51:47
9 Sandy Alentajan 6:52:26
10 Henry Laron 7:00:03
11 Bob Castilla 7:07:13
12 Rafael Gabotero 7:09:29
13 Almar Danguilan 7:14:42
14 Calvin John Escandor 7:16:06
15 Elmar Tolete 7:24:18
16 Romulo Doctolero 7:24:19
17 Carlito Buenaventura 7:33:23
18 Erwin Tolentino 7:33:28
19 Bert Camangonan 7:33:38
20 Ariel Aquino 7:37:59
21 Raul Tapia 7:38:49
22 Joseph Pineda 7:42:20
23 Zan Cagulangan 7:42:52
24 Glairold Recella 7:47:30
25 Dante Sagayap 7:47:31
26 Ed Redona 7:49:27
27 Jose Cando 7:50:59
28 Daphne Codilla (Champion, Ladies) 7:51:12
29 Frederick Quitiquit 7:53:32
30 Andrew Aquino 7:56:58
31 Imelda Laron (1st Runner-Up, Ladies) 7:58:22
32 Elmer Caballes 8:01:38
33 Olivia Rosita Dimaano Llanillo (2nd Runner-Up, Ladies) 8:08:16
34 Mark Anthony Tibo-oc 8:11:29
35 Noel Ko 8:11:29
36 Cheryl Bihag (F) 8:12:56
37 Gia Estrella (F) 8:15:14
38 Johann Marquez 8:20:51
39 Jeffrey Diaz 8:23:06
40 Bernie Madrid Jr 8:23:20
41 Jerry Peralta 8:23:42
42 Roberto Delos Santos 8:26:12
43 Edrick Nicdao 8:27:27
44 Ronnel Go 8:28:28
45 Edwin Fernandez 8:30:57
46 Carl Balagot 8:32:57
47 Joseph Sibal 8:33:03
48 Ejercito Suyo 8:34:28
49 Russel Hernandez 8:36:36
50 Antonio Jimenez 8:40:55
51 Maria Josephine Liao (F) 8:42:47
52 Meljohn Tezon 8:42:54
53 Hazel Arnaiz (F) 8:45:39
54 Jason Sison 8:45:42
55 Aaron Aher Herrera 8:47:46
56 Rodelio Mendoza 8:48:59
57 Bong Alindada 8:51:06
58 Nikki Angelene Cepe (F) 8:54:05
59 Peachy Tamayo (F) 8:56:12
60 Lady Dianne Palogan (F) 8:57:38
61 Armand Paolo Belen 8:58:28
62 Manny Ocampo 9:03:40
63 Noel Villoso 9:04:37
64 Elvin Pastorfide 9:07:46
65 Jon Borbon 9:08:15
66 Marc Tomas 9:12:56
67 Benedict Meneses 9:16:53
68 Teodoro Mailen 9:18:44
69 Marlon Saracho 9:19:40
70 Jan Michael Flores 9:19:41
71 Katrina Sarsonas (F) 9:20:25
72 Michelle Angela Maravilla (F) 9:23:12
73 Wesley Noel Orana 9:23:13
74 Greg Verecio 9:27:33
75 Chito Asuncion 9:30:30
76 Rica Mendoza (F) 9:32:12
77 Hermie Saludes 9:35:17
78 Marc Conrad Molina 9:35:18
79 Arnel Distor 9:41:12
80 Jinky Yray 9:43:59
81 Dennis Matias 9:45:12
82 Leopoldo Esquilona Jr 9:48:23
83 Dexter Cruz 9:49:47
84 Ryann Sison 9:49:48
85 Joseph Ryan Serrano 9:49:49
86 Mary Anne De Ere (F) 9:52:24
87 Rey Erwin Abenido 9:54:04
88 Donald Ancheta 9:57:49
89 Bernard Enriquez 9:58:24
90 Larry Daliwag 9:58:27
91 Mark Jay Sidamon 9:59:08
92 Yob Red 9:59:23
93 Allen Gregor Bulos 10:00:30
94 Gerardine Kun (F) 10:02:55
95 Allen Gaspar 10:10:48
96 Junar Layug 10:10:51
97 Joen Soriao 10:10:52
98 Rochelle Sumagang 10:13:15
99 Merwin Torres 10:13:21
100 Timothy John Taburico 10:15:41
101 Stephanie Hefti (F) 10:15:42
102 Mar Marilag 10:36:49
103 Pancho Samonte Jr 10:36:55
104 Rexie Jane Saldivar (F) 10:37:10
105 Lyra Cruzelle Rosario (F) 10:38:09
106 Doc Minnie Tomas (F) 10:39:11
107 Val Carro 10:39:12
108 Carmeli Ortega (F) 10:39:27
109 Christopher John Sta Cruz 10:40:20
110 Yolly Simpao Barja (F) 10:40:40
111 Luzel Franco (F) 10:40:41
112 Efren Martinez 10:42:28
113 Warren Evangelista 10:46:55
114 King Mark Patricio 10:53:25
115 Edwin Cruz 11:04:42

Congratulations To All The Finishers & Thanks To All The Sponsors!

117 Runners With 22 Female Runners. The Pinoy Ultrarunning Community Is Getting Bigger and Faster! (Photo by John Avellanosa)

Result: 1st BR’s Laoag BEER Mile

On By kingofpotsIn Insights, Jogging, Pictures, Race Results, Races, Running, Sports Program, Travel1 Comment

The following is the Official Result of the 1st BR’s BEER Mile held in Laoag City at the Provincial Oval Track & Athletic Ground o/a 8:00 AM August 12, 2012.

RANK N   A   M   E T   I  M  E
1 Roger Nartatez 9:19
2 Jhoneley Ballesteros 9:37
3 Numeriano Dela Cruz 13:10
4 Vernal Verlim 14:35
5 Steve Paul Dumlao 15:52
6 Ace Guerrero 17:20
7 Chester Puno 18:12
8 Kenken Sacro 19:30
9 Herdy Yumul 20:12
10 Jorge Guerrero 21:17
11 Tom Baniwas 24:17
12 Aaron Dondoyano 30:40
13 Sandy Matias 30:41
Ilocano Beer Mile Runners
Official Finishers Of The 1st Laoag City BR’s BEER Mile

Congratulations To All The Participants & Finishers!

Sharing

On By kingofpotsIn Insights, Jogging, Pictures, Running, Running For Cause, Running Shoes, Sports Program, Trail Running, Ultramarathon1 Comment

While most of the people who have something to share to the victims of the Flooding In Metro Manila are busy helping in the relief operations, I made my “very private and personal” experience to share the collections of slightly used running shoes and finishers’ shirts sent through Balikbayan Boxes from my ultrarunning friend, Benjamin Gaetos of Los Angeles, California to the Officers and Men of the Special Forces Regiment of the Philippine Army who are based in Fort Magsaysay, Palayan City.

These soldiers had been helping me in the conduct of the First 100-Mile Ultra Trail Run in the country dubbed as the “Taklang Damulag 100-Mile Trail Run” and the “Taklang Damulag 50-Mile/50K Trail Runs & Half-Marathon Races”.

More than 50 pairs of running shoes and more than the same number of Finisher’s Shirts were received by First Lieutenant Tony Abay, Commander of the Soecial Forces Regiment School and his men in a simple ceremony.

It was a very simple event but it was memorable to everybody.

1st Lieutenant Tony Abay Receiving The Shoes & Shirts
Explaining To The Soldiers About The Quality Of The Shirts
Telling The Soldiers That Helping Them Is My First Priority

Thanks to Benjamin Gaetos for his untiring efforts to pack and send these shoes through Balikbayan Boxes from Los Angeles, California! My snappy salute to you and to the rest of your ultrarunning friends out there in California, USA!

Result: 1st BR’s Cebu BEER Mile

On By kingofpotsIn Insights, Jogging, Places to Run, Race Results, Races, Running, TravelLeave a comment

The following is the Official Result of the 1st BR’s Cebu BEER Mile held this morning at the IT Park, Cebu City. Congratulations to all the participants/finishers!

Cebu Runner In Action
Fun & Experience!
Thank You & Congratulations, Cebu City!

 

RANK N    A      M    E T    I  M  E
1 Noel Tillor 7:27
2 Renan Panimdim 10:26
3 Dominic Panimdim 11:53
4 Earth Maribojoc 12:53
5 James Francis Aguas 16:47
6 Theodore Zamora 17:01
7 Ryan Gonzaga 19:07
8 Catalino Rosales 19:52
9 Boo Toledo 22:27
10 John Domingo 29:32
11 Kathrina Perez (F) 42:11
12 Coleen Digman (F) 45:48

36th MILO Marathon Manila Elims

On By kingofpotsIn Half-Marathon, Insights, Jogging, Marathon Race, Pictures, Race Results, Races, Running, Running Shoes, Sports Program4 Comments

Last year, I ran the MILO Marathon Manila Eliminations but I DNFd at Km 23 because of my injury on my left knee.

This year, I did not have plans or intention of joining the MILO Marathon Manila Eliminations as I was out of the country when the media launching activity was held. However, my friend, Jonel, informed me through FB that he was able to register me to run the Half-Marathon distance which I thought to be a nice event for me to see the runners and at the same time to be seen by new runners after I’ve been busy going to the mountains and enjoying the beauty of trail running and hiking to the peak of mountains.

It was also a chance to expose one of my elite runners whom I’ve been training/coaching for ultra trail runs in the province. Danin Arenzana had been with me for 3 years and he has been consistently training for mountain runs. In his debut race at the Mt Ugo Trail Marathon Race (42K) by Jonel of FrontRunner Magazine last April of this year, he placed First Runner-Up, competing with the fast runners of Baguio City. I registered him for the MILO Half-Marathon distance as a test run on flat and paved surface.

Danin Arenzana At The Center, 2nd Place Overall in the FR Mag’s Mt Ugo Trail (42K) Marathon

As I said, I joined this race to be seen by other runners and also try to look for Marcelo and give him whatever I could receive from friends which they committed to be given to him. After giving some advice to Danin and making sure that he is positioned infront of the starters, I positioned myself at the back of the pack and find out how my body would perform without any structured training program as a preparation for this race.

The day before this race, I finished a 10K race in Fort Magsaysay where I finished in 1:02:15 hours. The course was relatively flat but there are hills to overcome which made the course very challenging. (Note: I will make a separate Race Report on this run). While traveling to Manila, I could feel some pain in my knees but with some massage, full sleep/rest and “voodoo” drinks, I was ready for a half-marathon race the following day.

On Race Day, I was surprised to find out that it took me almost one minute to cross the starting line from the back of the pack. It showed how many runners had registered and started for this race. I was informed that the number of runners had reached to 38,000+ making it the most attended running event in Metro Manila/in the country so far. This makes the MILO Marathon to be consistently called as the “most prestigious running event in the country”.

Crazy Old Guy Wearing A Trail Running Attire In A Half-Marathon Race

Well, going back to my performance. I was too slow and I understand that my age is slowly catching up with what is in my mind. My mind would say that I am still fast and strong as if I am 40 years old but my legs and my breathing were saying the reality—that I am already slow and getting older! On the first 10K, I was averaging a pace of 6:15-6:30 minutes per kilometer but on the 2nd half of the race, I began to slow down and had to walk before and after drinking water at the aid stations. My last 5 kilometers were really painful as I would experience some cramps on my calves. I had to walk on the last kilometer of the race.  I would finish the race in 2:25+ hours. My slowest finish time so far for a half-marathon distance!

Walking @ 200 Meters Before The Finish Line

There are no alibis or complaints about my performance. I simply did not prepare for this race. At least, I was able to gauge the level of my running fitness with this race. Which means, I lack the endurance and speed to sustain a consistent pace for the distance. Damn those swimming laps which I’ve done as cross-training to lessen the pain on my knees, hoping that I could improve my swimming endurance coming from a zero and a non-swimmer for the past months and weeks. I guess, I am a land animal and not a runner trying to glide like a fish in the water.

It’s a blessing in disguise that my road races last weekend (10K & 21K) have started again my focused training in running with the hope of joining more road and trail races in the coming months. Running and hiking to the peak of the mountains will still be a part of the training. My knees are still in pain but some adjustments in my training will have to be done for me to be back in consistent training.

Danin, my elite athlete, surprisingly landed #9 overall in the Half-Marathon Race with a time of 1:30+ hours. He performed well and he has the potential to run faster as I advised him to restructure and make some adjustments in his training program. We will see him more in trail running events!

Danin Arenzana Along Roxas Boulevard

It worthy to note also that my Elite Team Bald Runner/Philippine Army runners, Elmer Sabal and Gerald Sabal placed 2nd and 3rd Overall in the Marathon (42K) Elimination Race, respectively. Elmer finished in 2:45+ hours while Gerald finished in 2:46+ hours. I hope these runners will train some more to be able to win in the MILO Marathon FINALS in December. Danin will run again the Half-Marathon Race in the Finals, hoping to improve his time and ranking.

Congratulations to MILO Philippines and to Coach Rio De La Cruz (RUNRIO) for the successful conduct of this year’s Manila Elimination Race. You did a splendid job! No doubt, this running event will stay consistently as the “most prestigious running event in the country” in the years to come. Plus the fact that you have provided more running shoes to more students and potential runners around the country through your “Donate A Shoe” Program!

See you at the FINALS!

Picture Of The Week #10

On By kingofpotsIn Insights, Jogging, Pictures, Places to Run, Practice Runs, Runners' Training, Running, Trail Running, TravelLeave a comment

Official Result: 1st FKT @ Taklang Damulag

On By kingofpotsIn Insights, Jogging, Military, Pictures, Places to Run, Races, Runners' Training, Running, Sports Program, Trail Running, Travel3 Comments

After finishing a 10K Race inside the Fort Magsaysay Complex yesterday morning (Saturday), I invited ultrarunners who joined this race for the 1st Official Fastest Known Time (FKT) Run at Taklang Damulag. The FKT Race started at the Fernandez Hill up to the peak of Taklang Damulag and back to the Starting Line/Area. The race covered a distance of almost 6.3 kilometers.

FKT RD With TD On The Background

Five (5) runners joined the event and the following was the result;

1. Danin Arenzana—–   59:32 minutes (CR)

2. Ronnel Go———– 1:03:20 hours

3. Bong Alindada—— 1:04:55 hours

4. Mar Marilag——— 1:12:46 hours

5. Stephanie Hefti (F)- 1:13:25 hours (Lady, CR)

The 1st FKT Runners @ Taklang Damulag
FKT Runners In Action From The Starting Area
Danin Arenzana Reaching The Finish Line
Ronnel Go aka Kampuger
Bong Alindada Approaching The Finish Line
Coach Mar Marilag
Stephanie Hefti, Lady Course Record Holder!

Prize/Award For All The Finishers—–Lunch @ Fernandez Hill!

….and Halo-Halo @ RAZON’s Caltex Metro Rest Area, NLEX

More of this kind of running event will be conducted soon!

See you at the Starting Line!

Olympic Fever? Who Cares?

On By kingofpotsIn Insights, Running, Sports Program1 Comment

I am not sure if there is “Olympic Fever” among the Filipinos now that the 2012 London Olympic Games have just started. Well, after the awesome entertainment during the the Opening Ceremony, we will just wait for our athletes to come home without any Olympic Medal (again!).

Can You Decipher It? London Olympic Games LOGO

For me, I am not that interested to find out when is the schedule of each of the 11 qualified Pinoy athletes to competes in their respective discipline. It does not mean that I don’t support our RP Team but I would prefer to be running on the roads and trails in the mountains to maintain my fitness level.

Olympic Logo Hanging Inside A Shopping Mall

In the 2008 Beijing Olympic Games, we sent 15 qualified Pinoy athletes where we rooted so much on boxing, taekwando, swimming, and athletics. Well, the result was the same, NO Gold Medal and there are lots of “fingerpointing” as to who should be blamed for the dismal performance of our athletes. NOBODY took the responsibility of our performance and within the next four years nothing happened! Everything was ALL TALK but NO ACTION.

There had been an election for the new leadership of the Philippine Olympic Committee (POC) immediately after the 2008 Olympic Games but it became too dirty and political that it caused divisiveness among the different NSA leaders/heads.

We moved on and we prepared for the Southeast Asian Games but sad to say, we did not improve in the 2009 & 2011 editions despite the fact that almost all the NSAs “vision” is geared towards more medal haul in these games. Predictions of Sports Official on the number of medal haul were too bloated as we ended almost to the bottom of the list of the country participants.

Four years after, we are still in the same shit—fewer qualified athletes (11) for the Olympic Games but I think the delegation of Officials & Coaches/Trainers keep on increasing. I really don’t know if we are rooting for a particular sports this time. Well, I’ve read somewhere that our BMX cycling athlete has the chance to reach the FINALS.

2012 Olympic Games Pinoy Athletes

Since I am into running/athletics, I am not optimistic that our two athletes will ever land as podium finishers in their respective event. Obviously, their ages (31-33 years old) are too old to compete with the best athletes ten years or more, younger than they are.

So, after the 2012 London Olympics, the same shit will happen again—

1. The Senate Committee on Sports will file a resolution for a Senate Hearing and find out the real cause of the debacle. Looking for the scapegoat will be the Game/Sports on The Floor! Hopefully, this will pressure the President to sign the law that will create an Executive Department devoted solely for Sports.

2. Opinion writers, armchair athletes/experts, and average athletes like me will publicly make their own analysis through the media and through the Social Networking world. Of course, we like to make some “noise” hoping that somebody will hear us!

3. Our Sports Officials will make some promises to do this and that just for them to be seen and heard. After a few weeks, everything will be calm and we wait again for the Southeast Asian Games, ASIAN Games, and the 2016 Brazil Olympic Games. In short, there is NO accountability for their failure to improve our sports excellence program.

4. Of course, most of the older generation will again float for the revival of the Project Gintong Alay as the solution of our dismal performance in international sports competition. The Project Gintong Alay had been a time-tested system that had proven to be successful that even China and the rest of the ASIAN countries had copied and implimented. Now, we are the ones trying to copy their system well in fact it originated from us! (Note: It took China almost 30 years for them to develop and progress in Sports Excellence and be the No. 1 in the number of medal haul in the 2008 Beijing Olympic Games)

So, what could be the problem why we could not progress in our Sports Excellence Program and be able to win a Gold Medal in the Olympic Games?

Because we LACK the LEADERSHIP that has the POLITICAL WILL to impliment CHANGE & REFORM in our Sports Excellence Program.

This is self-explanatory. I rest my case!

See you at the Starting Line!