Marco Polo fright runs on Sunday
OVER 1,000 participants, some donning frightening Halloween costumes, are expected to race in the 12th Marco Polo Davao Fright Run 2010 set to kick off at 5:30 a.m. on Sunday in an out-and-back course from the hotel.
Retired Col. Arnold Comoda, Marco Polo Davao's director of security, bared this during the Davao Sportswriters Association (DSA) Forum at the Tower Inn yesterday.
He said 1,200 runners have signed up as of press time, thus, breaking last year's turnout of 800.
"We hope to hit our target of 1,400 entries this year. The Philippine National Police (PNP) is the biggest delegation so far with 300 registered runners. We expect a handful of professional runners competing in male and female 10K categories. We also have male and female 5K divisions," he said.
He said that aside from hometown bets, Tagum and Digos runners also signed up for the event that offers cash prizes of P3,000, P2,000 and P1,000 await the top three finishers of all categories while the participant with the scariest Halloween costume will win an overnight stay for two with free breakfast.
Contenders of the most frightening costume, however, must have at least finished the 5k.
Participants will also have the chance to win raffle prizes such as free buffet, room accommodation and souvenir items. The P150 fee is inclusive of souvenir singlets for the first 800 registrants, light breakfast, finisher's certificate and raffle coupon. Late registrants will no longer avail of the singlet.
The footrace serves as culminating activity of the hotel's annual inter-color sportsfest. The four color teams will field runners for the special team competition.
Proceeds of the event will go to Marco Polo's Children Hour Foundation.
Registration forms are still available at the hotel's Fitness Center. Interested runners may also contact (082) 221-0888 local 7462 or 7819. (MLSA)
Published in the Sun.Star Davao newspaper on October 29, 2010.
RunClub-New Balance Challenge set Nov. 14
IT'S all systems go for the first-ever RunClub-New Balance Challenge 2010, which will get under way in an out-and-back course from Plaza del Carmen, A. Loyola St., Bo. Obrero on November 14.
RunClub sales marketing assistant Ester Mae Rollorata on Thursday said an all-expense paid trip to the Cebu City Marathon on January 9, 2011, awaits the top male and female 10K Power Run finishers.
"New Balance gift certificates will be awarded to the top 10 finishers of the 10K event, 5K fun run first five finishers and 5K 14 and under top three placers," she told members of the Davao Sportswriters Association (DSA) during their weekly forum at the Tower Inn.
Gift checks worth P5,000, P4,000, P3,000, P2,500, P2,000, P1,750, P1,500 and P1,250 will be given away to the 10k first eight runners while P1,000 worth of gift check will each go to the ninth and 10th placers.
The top five 5K fun run finishers will go home with P5,000, P3,500, P2,000, P1,500 and P1,000 worth of gift certificates while the 5K 14U top three placers will receive gift check denominations of P3,000, P2,000 and P1,000.
Rollorata said all participants can avail of 20 percent discount of all New Balance products at RunClub starting from the day of their registration until December 31.
She also said special prizes will be raffled off during the awarding rites.
She added, "This footrace is unique since all 10K finishers will each receive a Powerade drink while the 5K finishers will be given a Samurai drink. The event will also feature an exciting loop route."
Davao City, Digos, Kidapawan and Tagum runners are expected to join the race sponsored by Powerade with Sun.Star Davao as media partner and Mix FM as official radio station.
Registration fee is P300 inclusive of New Balance singlet, race bib, energy drink and light breakfast. Interested participants may sign up at RunClub or may contact (082) 222-8786. (MLSA)
Published in the Sun.Star Davao newspaper on October 29, 2010.
Friday, October 29, 2010
Sunday, October 24, 2010
Deca Wake Board Park holds Monthly elims
Deca Wake Board Park holds Monthly elims
Written by: Develos III , Jon O.
Saturday, 23 October 2010, Mindanao Times
DECA Wake Board Park will hold its Monthly Elimination round this October 30.
We will be expecting 20 to 30 entries, said tournament director Jason Poblete in last Thursday’s edition of the Davao Sportswriters Association (DSA) Forum at the Tower Inn Hotel.
Winners will then move on to the Annual Finals competition slated this December. The Annual Finals will cover the previous monthly winners in which will determine the Wake Board Champion of the Year, added Poblete.
Spicing up will be the Holloween costume of the participants and the awarding rites and part with live band after the competition.
Registration per entry is at P300.
Written by: Develos III , Jon O.
Saturday, 23 October 2010, Mindanao Times
DECA Wake Board Park will hold its Monthly Elimination round this October 30.
We will be expecting 20 to 30 entries, said tournament director Jason Poblete in last Thursday’s edition of the Davao Sportswriters Association (DSA) Forum at the Tower Inn Hotel.
Winners will then move on to the Annual Finals competition slated this December. The Annual Finals will cover the previous monthly winners in which will determine the Wake Board Champion of the Year, added Poblete.
Spicing up will be the Holloween costume of the participants and the awarding rites and part with live band after the competition.
Registration per entry is at P300.
Friday, October 22, 2010
DWP to stage different monthly medal tourney, Casino Femme Run set Nov. 7, 1,000 runners in BJMP race
DWP to stage different monthly medal tourney
THE DECA Wakeboard Park monthly medal tournament takes a different twist when it gets underway on Oct. 30 at the DWP in Tacunan, Mintal.
Co-organizer Carive Rodriguez, appearing in yesterday's Davao Sporstwriters Asociation Forum with tournament chair Jason "Choy" Poblete, said this time the monthly medal will culminate with a Halloween Ball where competitors may also vie for the best costume award.
The Bird's Eye Band will provide entertainment to spice up the party, Rodriguez said.
The winner of the best costume award will win P1,000 and a whole day pass.
Poblete said admission is free during the tournament. The fee for participants, however, is pegged at P300.
"Winners of the monthly medal competition will advance to the Annual Cup set in December where fabulous prizes are at stake. Champions of the past monthly medals can no longer compete this month so other riders will have the chance to qualify for the grand championship," Poblete said.
He said they expect 30 riders competing in different categories including groms, junior men's and women's wakeboard, men's 1 and men's 2 and wakeskate. A Deca champion jersey and gold medal await the top performers while the next two placers will go home with silver and bronze medals.
Poblete also said a professional rider from South Korea may be among the judges of the October monthly medal saying that a handful of Koreans will hold camp at DWP next week. (MLSA)
Published in the Sun.Star Davao newspaper on October 22, 2010.
Casino Femme Run set Nov. 7
IT'S all systems go for the first-ever Casino Femme Run "The Empowered Series" set on November 7 which starts and ends at the Gaisano Mall of Davao.
Janelle Flores of the International Pharmaceutical Inc. said Kuya Kim and Paul Jake of the Pinoy Big Brother fame are arriving to grace the event
"This run encourages women to play active role in the community. This should have really been designed for women only but we received requests to also put categories where men can also run," Flores said during the regular Davao Sportswriters Association (DSA) Forum Thursday at the Tower Inn.
Flores said special the 3K and 1.5 K all women run categories are entered as well as 10K men's and women's open and 5k men's and women's open divisions in the footrace organized by the IPI Special Events and Promotions and Vantage Sports Promotions.
The top four 10K finishers will receive P10,000, P5,000, P3,000 and P1,000 while the next six placers will get gift packs and medals. The 5K first four runners will go home with P6,000, P4,000, P2,000 and P1,000 while the next six finishers will also receive gift packs and medals. All first three placers will also claim trophies, according to Flores.
In the 3K all-women, the champion will pocket P4,000 while the following three runners will settle for P3,000, P2,000 and P1,000. The 1.5 K all-women event top four will take home P3,000, P2,000, P1,000 and P500. Gift packs and medals will also be given to the fifth to 11th finishers.
Registration fees are P200 for 1.5K, 3K and 5K and P250 for 10K inclusive of singlet, number bib, race map route and Casino Ethyl Alcohol products.
Part of the proceeds of the event will benefit the projects of the IPI Foundation and Antonio O. Floirendo Foundation.
Published in the Sun.Star Davao newspaper on October 22, 2010.
1,000 runners in BJMP race
SOME 1,000 runners are expected to see action in the first-ever "Takbo Alay sa Preso" which kicks off on October 30 in and out-and-back course from Rizal Park, San Pedro St., Davao City.
Bureau of Jail Management and Penology (BJMP) Region 11 Jail Senior Inspector Ian Glenn Ocmen Thursday said the 1,000 estimate is a modest projection since they are holding the event for the first time.
"This is the pioneer running event ever initiated in the BJMP in celebration of the National Correctional Consciousness Week," Ocmen told the regular Davao Sportswriters Association (DSA) Forum at the Tower Inn.
Ocmen said the footrace, which carries the theme: "Towards Justice That Moves Beyond Punishment," will feature the three-kilometer event for 12 years old and below runners, 5K and 10K categories.
"We are aiming to source out funds to support the Inmates Welfare Development Program and at the same time raise public awareness that prisoners are part of the community. There is still a stigma when we talk about prisons and inmates. We hope we can bridge the gap between them and the community through this running activity," Ocmen said.
Cash prizes await the first three finishers of the male and female 5K and 10K divisions of the event organized in cooperation with the Vantage Sports Promotions under Kenneth Sai.
Registration fee is P150 inclusive of singlet, finisher's certificate and light meal.
Interested participants may sign up at registration sites NCCC Mall Gate 3 from 4 p.m. to closing time or at Run Club, Plaza del Carmen, Loyola St., Bo. Obrero, Davao City or contact BJMP 11 at (082) 244-0028. MLSA
Published in the Sun.Star Davao newspaper on October 22, 2010.
THE DECA Wakeboard Park monthly medal tournament takes a different twist when it gets underway on Oct. 30 at the DWP in Tacunan, Mintal.
Co-organizer Carive Rodriguez, appearing in yesterday's Davao Sporstwriters Asociation Forum with tournament chair Jason "Choy" Poblete, said this time the monthly medal will culminate with a Halloween Ball where competitors may also vie for the best costume award.
The Bird's Eye Band will provide entertainment to spice up the party, Rodriguez said.
The winner of the best costume award will win P1,000 and a whole day pass.
Poblete said admission is free during the tournament. The fee for participants, however, is pegged at P300.
"Winners of the monthly medal competition will advance to the Annual Cup set in December where fabulous prizes are at stake. Champions of the past monthly medals can no longer compete this month so other riders will have the chance to qualify for the grand championship," Poblete said.
He said they expect 30 riders competing in different categories including groms, junior men's and women's wakeboard, men's 1 and men's 2 and wakeskate. A Deca champion jersey and gold medal await the top performers while the next two placers will go home with silver and bronze medals.
Poblete also said a professional rider from South Korea may be among the judges of the October monthly medal saying that a handful of Koreans will hold camp at DWP next week. (MLSA)
Published in the Sun.Star Davao newspaper on October 22, 2010.
Casino Femme Run set Nov. 7
IT'S all systems go for the first-ever Casino Femme Run "The Empowered Series" set on November 7 which starts and ends at the Gaisano Mall of Davao.
Janelle Flores of the International Pharmaceutical Inc. said Kuya Kim and Paul Jake of the Pinoy Big Brother fame are arriving to grace the event
"This run encourages women to play active role in the community. This should have really been designed for women only but we received requests to also put categories where men can also run," Flores said during the regular Davao Sportswriters Association (DSA) Forum Thursday at the Tower Inn.
Flores said special the 3K and 1.5 K all women run categories are entered as well as 10K men's and women's open and 5k men's and women's open divisions in the footrace organized by the IPI Special Events and Promotions and Vantage Sports Promotions.
The top four 10K finishers will receive P10,000, P5,000, P3,000 and P1,000 while the next six placers will get gift packs and medals. The 5K first four runners will go home with P6,000, P4,000, P2,000 and P1,000 while the next six finishers will also receive gift packs and medals. All first three placers will also claim trophies, according to Flores.
In the 3K all-women, the champion will pocket P4,000 while the following three runners will settle for P3,000, P2,000 and P1,000. The 1.5 K all-women event top four will take home P3,000, P2,000, P1,000 and P500. Gift packs and medals will also be given to the fifth to 11th finishers.
Registration fees are P200 for 1.5K, 3K and 5K and P250 for 10K inclusive of singlet, number bib, race map route and Casino Ethyl Alcohol products.
Part of the proceeds of the event will benefit the projects of the IPI Foundation and Antonio O. Floirendo Foundation.
Published in the Sun.Star Davao newspaper on October 22, 2010.
1,000 runners in BJMP race
SOME 1,000 runners are expected to see action in the first-ever "Takbo Alay sa Preso" which kicks off on October 30 in and out-and-back course from Rizal Park, San Pedro St., Davao City.
Bureau of Jail Management and Penology (BJMP) Region 11 Jail Senior Inspector Ian Glenn Ocmen Thursday said the 1,000 estimate is a modest projection since they are holding the event for the first time.
"This is the pioneer running event ever initiated in the BJMP in celebration of the National Correctional Consciousness Week," Ocmen told the regular Davao Sportswriters Association (DSA) Forum at the Tower Inn.
Ocmen said the footrace, which carries the theme: "Towards Justice That Moves Beyond Punishment," will feature the three-kilometer event for 12 years old and below runners, 5K and 10K categories.
"We are aiming to source out funds to support the Inmates Welfare Development Program and at the same time raise public awareness that prisoners are part of the community. There is still a stigma when we talk about prisons and inmates. We hope we can bridge the gap between them and the community through this running activity," Ocmen said.
Cash prizes await the first three finishers of the male and female 5K and 10K divisions of the event organized in cooperation with the Vantage Sports Promotions under Kenneth Sai.
Registration fee is P150 inclusive of singlet, finisher's certificate and light meal.
Interested participants may sign up at registration sites NCCC Mall Gate 3 from 4 p.m. to closing time or at Run Club, Plaza del Carmen, Loyola St., Bo. Obrero, Davao City or contact BJMP 11 at (082) 244-0028. MLSA
Published in the Sun.Star Davao newspaper on October 22, 2010.
Thursday, October 14, 2010
2T runners in Merco race, 6th Oktoberfest bowling tourney gets underway, Jopson to grace HGS Running Camp
2T runners in Merco race
SOME 2,000 runners are expected answer the starting gun when the Merco 64th Anniversary Fun Run hits the road on October 24 in an out-and-back course from the Rizal Park.
Eduardo Hautea, Merco human resource officer, said they have hit almost 1,000 registrants as of Wednesday and expects the number to increase by race day.
"We hope to reach our target as the run is still 10 days to go We drew 1,543 participants last year," Hautea told the regular Davao Sportswriters Association (DSA) Forum Thursday at the Tower Inn.
Hautea said they still have noted seeded runners saying that professional runners usually sign up few days before the footrace.
The race features the male and female 3K 12 years old and below, male and female 5K and male and female 10K categories. The 3K walk-jog with your pet, which was launched last year, is a special event that is again included this year.
He said cash prizes of P3,000, P2,500, P1,500, P1,000 and P700 will be awarded to the top five finishers of the male and female 10K divisions while the first five placers of the 5K open will receive P2,000, P1,500, P1,000, P700 and P500, respectively.
All top three placers will also receive trophies in the annual race sponsored by Merco, Selecta and Nestle Food Services in cooperation with Davao Sunday Runners Club.
The 3K top five winners will take home P1,500, P1,000, P700, P500 and P300 while gift certificates will be awarded to the top three placers of the 3K walk-jog with your pet event.
Registration is still ongoing at Merco Bolton, Quirino and Cabaguio branches. Fee is P150 inclusive of sleeveless shirt.
The Maharlika Charity Foundation, Inc. is the beneficiary of the running activity organized in celebration of Merco's anniversary.
Published in the Sun.Star Davao newspaper on October 15, 2010.
6th Oktoberfest bowling tourney gets underway
THE Diagold and D' Adventurers teams are among the heavy favorites as the 6th Oktoberfest Bowling Tournament was set to roll off last night at the Fairlanes Bowling Center along F. Torres St.
Sunday Bowlers Club (SBC) president Emie Orteza, appearing in yesterday's Davao Sportswriters Association (DSA) Forum at the Tower Inn, said the Maxcey's Veranda and Gian's Breakfast Club are also strong contenders for the crown in this five-member team competition.
He said some 15 teams are competing for the P10,000 championship prize. The runner-up will receive P8,000 while the next two placers will go home with P6,000 and P4,000.
Teams will play the eight-game elimination series where the top four will advance to the step-the-ladder finals.
"I'm very happy that more companies and establishments are forming their own bowling teams. We will see more of newly-formed teams in this tournament," Orteza said.
The SBC chief said special awardees including highest team single and double, highest individual single and double, highest average and highest pinning will also claim cash prizes in the meet sponsored by the Fairlanes management. (MLSA )
Published in the Sun.Star Davao newspaper on October 15, 2010.
Jopson to grace HGS Running Camp
WORLD Ironman 70.3 Championships 2009 top Filipino finisher Celnan "Noy" Jopson is the resource speaker of the first-ever Holiday Gym & Spa Running Camp set on October 19 at HGS.
Spokesperson Neil Gellegani on Thursday said this is a great opportunity for athletes, especially running enthusiasts to join the camp that will be handled by such a multi-titled sports personality.
He said Jopson will hold the lecture and workshop from 5 p.m. to 7:30 p.m.
"Participants are required to come in their running attire so they won't have to change after the lecture," Gellegani told members of the Davao Sportswriters Association (DSA) during their weekly forum at the Tower Inn Thursday.
He said the camp is free for all HGS members.
Jopson, according to him, will also be the head judge of the Superbodies Search 2010 slated on December 20 at the Gaisano Mall of Davao Atrium.
"There are now 22 candidates for the search that will have the men's and women's categories. A handful of Cebu candidates are arriving on Monday. But the bulk of the entries are from here," Gellegani said.
He, however, said the Superbodies event is a search for the fittest candidate.
"No, this is not a beauty search, where candidates will wear skimpy suits or bikinis. Candidates will don their sports outfits," he said. (MLSA )
Published in the Sun.Star Davao newspaper on October 15, 2010.
SOME 2,000 runners are expected answer the starting gun when the Merco 64th Anniversary Fun Run hits the road on October 24 in an out-and-back course from the Rizal Park.
Eduardo Hautea, Merco human resource officer, said they have hit almost 1,000 registrants as of Wednesday and expects the number to increase by race day.
"We hope to reach our target as the run is still 10 days to go We drew 1,543 participants last year," Hautea told the regular Davao Sportswriters Association (DSA) Forum Thursday at the Tower Inn.
Hautea said they still have noted seeded runners saying that professional runners usually sign up few days before the footrace.
The race features the male and female 3K 12 years old and below, male and female 5K and male and female 10K categories. The 3K walk-jog with your pet, which was launched last year, is a special event that is again included this year.
He said cash prizes of P3,000, P2,500, P1,500, P1,000 and P700 will be awarded to the top five finishers of the male and female 10K divisions while the first five placers of the 5K open will receive P2,000, P1,500, P1,000, P700 and P500, respectively.
All top three placers will also receive trophies in the annual race sponsored by Merco, Selecta and Nestle Food Services in cooperation with Davao Sunday Runners Club.
The 3K top five winners will take home P1,500, P1,000, P700, P500 and P300 while gift certificates will be awarded to the top three placers of the 3K walk-jog with your pet event.
Registration is still ongoing at Merco Bolton, Quirino and Cabaguio branches. Fee is P150 inclusive of sleeveless shirt.
The Maharlika Charity Foundation, Inc. is the beneficiary of the running activity organized in celebration of Merco's anniversary.
Published in the Sun.Star Davao newspaper on October 15, 2010.
6th Oktoberfest bowling tourney gets underway
THE Diagold and D' Adventurers teams are among the heavy favorites as the 6th Oktoberfest Bowling Tournament was set to roll off last night at the Fairlanes Bowling Center along F. Torres St.
Sunday Bowlers Club (SBC) president Emie Orteza, appearing in yesterday's Davao Sportswriters Association (DSA) Forum at the Tower Inn, said the Maxcey's Veranda and Gian's Breakfast Club are also strong contenders for the crown in this five-member team competition.
He said some 15 teams are competing for the P10,000 championship prize. The runner-up will receive P8,000 while the next two placers will go home with P6,000 and P4,000.
Teams will play the eight-game elimination series where the top four will advance to the step-the-ladder finals.
"I'm very happy that more companies and establishments are forming their own bowling teams. We will see more of newly-formed teams in this tournament," Orteza said.
The SBC chief said special awardees including highest team single and double, highest individual single and double, highest average and highest pinning will also claim cash prizes in the meet sponsored by the Fairlanes management. (MLSA )
Published in the Sun.Star Davao newspaper on October 15, 2010.
Jopson to grace HGS Running Camp
WORLD Ironman 70.3 Championships 2009 top Filipino finisher Celnan "Noy" Jopson is the resource speaker of the first-ever Holiday Gym & Spa Running Camp set on October 19 at HGS.
Spokesperson Neil Gellegani on Thursday said this is a great opportunity for athletes, especially running enthusiasts to join the camp that will be handled by such a multi-titled sports personality.
He said Jopson will hold the lecture and workshop from 5 p.m. to 7:30 p.m.
"Participants are required to come in their running attire so they won't have to change after the lecture," Gellegani told members of the Davao Sportswriters Association (DSA) during their weekly forum at the Tower Inn Thursday.
He said the camp is free for all HGS members.
Jopson, according to him, will also be the head judge of the Superbodies Search 2010 slated on December 20 at the Gaisano Mall of Davao Atrium.
"There are now 22 candidates for the search that will have the men's and women's categories. A handful of Cebu candidates are arriving on Monday. But the bulk of the entries are from here," Gellegani said.
He, however, said the Superbodies event is a search for the fittest candidate.
"No, this is not a beauty search, where candidates will wear skimpy suits or bikinis. Candidates will don their sports outfits," he said. (MLSA )
Published in the Sun.Star Davao newspaper on October 15, 2010.
Friday, October 8, 2010
Basilio in Malaysia Climbathon
DAVAO City's Mel Andrew Basilio will compete anew in the 23rd Mt. Kinabalu International Climbathon set on Oct. 24 and 25 in Sabah, Malaysia.
Basilio is part of the 16-member Philippine Skyrunning Association team that will see action in the event, dubbed as "The World's Toughest Mountain Race."
"Some 38 countries are participating in the race where we have to beat the four hours and 30 minutes time limit. The race involves running up and down Mt. Kinabalu, which is 4,095.2 meters above sea level, with a total distance of 21 kilometers," he said in yesterday's Davao Sportswriters Association (DSA) Forum at the Tower Inn.
"It's higher and colder than our Mt. Apo so it's really a challenging race. But I've trained in Baguio, Calinan recently just to acclimatize with the cold weather. I'm leaving for Baguio City o Oct. 17 to resume my training before flying to Malaysia," Basilio said.
He said that his regular participation to the Climbathon is for the benefit of local elementary schools in far-flung barangays.
"My beneficiary this time will be the Masicampo Elementary School in Suawan, Marilog District where there are 123 students from Grade 1 to Grade 6. I still lack funding for my trip but I will make sure that my advocacy of giving school supplies to this school will materialize," Basilio said.
Basilio donated 162 packs of school supplies to another elementary school in Marilog last year. (MLSA)
Published in the Sun.Star Davao newspaper on October 08, 2010.
Basilio is part of the 16-member Philippine Skyrunning Association team that will see action in the event, dubbed as "The World's Toughest Mountain Race."
"Some 38 countries are participating in the race where we have to beat the four hours and 30 minutes time limit. The race involves running up and down Mt. Kinabalu, which is 4,095.2 meters above sea level, with a total distance of 21 kilometers," he said in yesterday's Davao Sportswriters Association (DSA) Forum at the Tower Inn.
"It's higher and colder than our Mt. Apo so it's really a challenging race. But I've trained in Baguio, Calinan recently just to acclimatize with the cold weather. I'm leaving for Baguio City o Oct. 17 to resume my training before flying to Malaysia," Basilio said.
He said that his regular participation to the Climbathon is for the benefit of local elementary schools in far-flung barangays.
"My beneficiary this time will be the Masicampo Elementary School in Suawan, Marilog District where there are 123 students from Grade 1 to Grade 6. I still lack funding for my trip but I will make sure that my advocacy of giving school supplies to this school will materialize," Basilio said.
Basilio donated 162 packs of school supplies to another elementary school in Marilog last year. (MLSA)
Published in the Sun.Star Davao newspaper on October 08, 2010.
Grandeza proud to be Pinoy, thanks DSA
‘I'm proud to be Filipino’
"KILL the Filipino," came the chants of the crowd as Steve Grandeza climbed the ring, a grim reminder of the great odds he was facing in the biggest fight of his life.
They were cheering for his opponent and it was understandable. At the opposite corner of the ring stood Ghana's Al Hassan "Van Damme" Okine, a tall and muscular fighter who is very popular in Dubai because of his impressive fight record.
Grandeza, the Filipino champion, was never given a chance. He was small, they said, and would end up just being slaughtered by Okine.
They were all dead wrong as Grandeza went on to dominate Okine on the way to capturing the World Kickboxing Federation (WKBF) super welterweight crown and stunning the crowd at The Lodge in Dubai, United Arab Emirates.
"Everyone was rooting for him (Okine). I even heard someone told Okine during the weigh-in, `You can beat him, he's so small," Grandeza told the Davao Sportswriters Association (DSA) Forum Thursday as he recalled the night he won the world title against the highly-rated fighter from Ghana.
"During fight night, I was the one called first and so when we entered, the fans were shouting, ‘Kill the Filipino,’" Grandeza added.
But Grandeza said his brother-trainer Bryan reminded him of their meditation training where he was submerged into the sea.
"Bryan said I had to focus on my opponent and not on the negative remarks being thrown at me by the crowd. I emptied my mind just like in our water training. It helped me shift my focus back on the fight at hand, otherwise, I would have been distracted," he said.
His best friend and coach Edgar Alan Paulino said the water training was a good thing and it helped Steve to focus on the fight and that the negative chants of the audience did not diminish his determination.
Grandeza said after the decision was announced he became emotional that he cried when the Philippine anthem was played during the championship belt presentation.
He, however, confessed that there were premonitions he would be bring home the belt.
"When I arrived in Dubai, I dreamt of bringing this one (gesturing at his belt) home. I believe it was really my faith that made it possible. I was very positive about the fight. It's funny that in my dream, I was giving Okine a roundhouse kick and it did happen," Grandeza said.
"I cried when the Philippine national anthem was being played during the awarding. I had always dreamt of becoming a world champion. I'm so happy it came true. This honor is for every Dabawenyo and every Filipino all over the world. I am proud to be a Dabawenyo. I am proud to be a Filipino," he added.
He also thanked Team Pilipinas Phoenix Moo Duk Kwan consultant Ben Sur and sponsors Phoenix Petroleum Philippines, PAGCOR, NIS Motors Corporation, Davao Bayan Construction & Hardware Supply, Inc., Rockspec Gears, Davao Mayor Inday Sara Duterte and Vice Mayor Rodrigo R. Duterte for supporting his campaign.
Published in the Sun.Star Davao newspaper on October 08, 2010.
Grandeza grateful to DSA for latest accomplishment
GRACING the regular Davao Sportswriters Association (DSA) Forum is something newly-crowned World Kickboxing Federation (WKBF) K1 super welterweight champion Steve "Red Knight" Grandeza looked forward to even after coming home with a hero's welcome and a couple of live interviews at two local TV programs.
Grandeza, who beat Al Hassan "Ghana Van Damme" Okine via a unanimous decision after their seven-round encounter at The Lodge, Dubai, United Arab Emirates, said he didn't expect to come home with such a warm reception.
"I'm happy for the recognition I'm getting from my fellow Dabawenyos," Grandeza said.
But he said the reception he's been getting recently is nothing compared to coming home to the DSA Forum at the Tower Inn Thursday.
The 33-year-old Grandeza thanked the DSA for supporting his quest for the world championship.
"After my fight, I was asked about the support I'm getting from the sports community here. I was quick to reply that DSA has been very active in supporting athletes like me. DSA has always been there for me from the very start. I'm so thankful to the DSA. I am proud of the DSA," Grandeza said.
Team Pilipinas Phoenix Moo Duk Kwan coach Edgar Alan Paulino also confirmed Grandeza's statements as he acknowledged the fact that the sportswriting fraternity in Davao specially DSA is very supportive of local athletes.
"Thank you, DSA, for being there all throughout Steve's journey. You have always been there for us from small-time tournaments to this world championship," Paulino said.
He also revealed that Grandeza keeps clippings of all news and feature stories from DSA members in local newspapers.
"DSA is really special to me. I kept all the stories of all my fights and events written by DSAers. You just don't know how it helped me become who I am now," Paulino said. (MLSA)
Published in the Sun.Star Davao newspaper on October 08, 2010.
"KILL the Filipino," came the chants of the crowd as Steve Grandeza climbed the ring, a grim reminder of the great odds he was facing in the biggest fight of his life.
They were cheering for his opponent and it was understandable. At the opposite corner of the ring stood Ghana's Al Hassan "Van Damme" Okine, a tall and muscular fighter who is very popular in Dubai because of his impressive fight record.
Grandeza, the Filipino champion, was never given a chance. He was small, they said, and would end up just being slaughtered by Okine.
They were all dead wrong as Grandeza went on to dominate Okine on the way to capturing the World Kickboxing Federation (WKBF) super welterweight crown and stunning the crowd at The Lodge in Dubai, United Arab Emirates.
"Everyone was rooting for him (Okine). I even heard someone told Okine during the weigh-in, `You can beat him, he's so small," Grandeza told the Davao Sportswriters Association (DSA) Forum Thursday as he recalled the night he won the world title against the highly-rated fighter from Ghana.
"During fight night, I was the one called first and so when we entered, the fans were shouting, ‘Kill the Filipino,’" Grandeza added.
But Grandeza said his brother-trainer Bryan reminded him of their meditation training where he was submerged into the sea.
"Bryan said I had to focus on my opponent and not on the negative remarks being thrown at me by the crowd. I emptied my mind just like in our water training. It helped me shift my focus back on the fight at hand, otherwise, I would have been distracted," he said.
His best friend and coach Edgar Alan Paulino said the water training was a good thing and it helped Steve to focus on the fight and that the negative chants of the audience did not diminish his determination.
Grandeza said after the decision was announced he became emotional that he cried when the Philippine anthem was played during the championship belt presentation.
He, however, confessed that there were premonitions he would be bring home the belt.
"When I arrived in Dubai, I dreamt of bringing this one (gesturing at his belt) home. I believe it was really my faith that made it possible. I was very positive about the fight. It's funny that in my dream, I was giving Okine a roundhouse kick and it did happen," Grandeza said.
"I cried when the Philippine national anthem was being played during the awarding. I had always dreamt of becoming a world champion. I'm so happy it came true. This honor is for every Dabawenyo and every Filipino all over the world. I am proud to be a Dabawenyo. I am proud to be a Filipino," he added.
He also thanked Team Pilipinas Phoenix Moo Duk Kwan consultant Ben Sur and sponsors Phoenix Petroleum Philippines, PAGCOR, NIS Motors Corporation, Davao Bayan Construction & Hardware Supply, Inc., Rockspec Gears, Davao Mayor Inday Sara Duterte and Vice Mayor Rodrigo R. Duterte for supporting his campaign.
Published in the Sun.Star Davao newspaper on October 08, 2010.
Grandeza grateful to DSA for latest accomplishment
GRACING the regular Davao Sportswriters Association (DSA) Forum is something newly-crowned World Kickboxing Federation (WKBF) K1 super welterweight champion Steve "Red Knight" Grandeza looked forward to even after coming home with a hero's welcome and a couple of live interviews at two local TV programs.
Grandeza, who beat Al Hassan "Ghana Van Damme" Okine via a unanimous decision after their seven-round encounter at The Lodge, Dubai, United Arab Emirates, said he didn't expect to come home with such a warm reception.
"I'm happy for the recognition I'm getting from my fellow Dabawenyos," Grandeza said.
But he said the reception he's been getting recently is nothing compared to coming home to the DSA Forum at the Tower Inn Thursday.
The 33-year-old Grandeza thanked the DSA for supporting his quest for the world championship.
"After my fight, I was asked about the support I'm getting from the sports community here. I was quick to reply that DSA has been very active in supporting athletes like me. DSA has always been there for me from the very start. I'm so thankful to the DSA. I am proud of the DSA," Grandeza said.
Team Pilipinas Phoenix Moo Duk Kwan coach Edgar Alan Paulino also confirmed Grandeza's statements as he acknowledged the fact that the sportswriting fraternity in Davao specially DSA is very supportive of local athletes.
"Thank you, DSA, for being there all throughout Steve's journey. You have always been there for us from small-time tournaments to this world championship," Paulino said.
He also revealed that Grandeza keeps clippings of all news and feature stories from DSA members in local newspapers.
"DSA is really special to me. I kept all the stories of all my fights and events written by DSAers. You just don't know how it helped me become who I am now," Paulino said. (MLSA)
Published in the Sun.Star Davao newspaper on October 08, 2010.
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)