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Chooks-to-Go comes to Lydia De Vega’s aid

July 27, 2022 6:44 p.m.

Chooks-to-Go extended a helping hand to two-time Olympian and Asia’s former sprint queen Lydia De Vega-Mercado on Wednesday.

De Vega-Mercado, 57, is currently in critical condition after undergoing brain surgery earlier this month.

Upon knowing the situation, Chooks-to-Go president Ronald Mascariñas immediately asked for the release of P250,000 to the De Vega-Mercado family to help with the mounting cost they have incurred in hospital bills.

“Madame Lydia is a living legend in Philippine sports, a true queen,” said Mascariñas. “During her heyday, she was someone we looked up to as she broke barriers for the Filipina athlete.

“Imagine, she won numerous Asian championships and dominated the Southeast Asian region for years. And she did it with class and flair that have yet to be matched up to this day,” he added.

Receiving the check were Lydia’s daughter Stephanie and son-in-law David Koenigswarter.

“Sobrang heartwarming because hindi naman kaila sa atin na my mom left for Singapore to work there. Ngayon kasama na natin siya. We are very happy at we are very thankful sa lahat nang sumusuporta sa kanya at tumutulong para maka-recover siya,” said Stephanie, a former volleyball player.

“Hindi maganda ‘to ngayon na nangyayari sa buhay niya. Sinasabi nga namin na ito ‘yong pinakamalaking karera sa buhay nya. And we are happy na si Chooks-to-Go, kasama namin na tumutulong at nagdarasal para maka-recover ‘yong Mom ko dahil lahat gusto na mas matagal natin siyang makasama at hindi tayo nag-gi-give up for her, so lahat ng tulong binibigay natin para maka-recover siya.”

It was a heartwarming moment as Olympians Eumir Marcial (Tokyo 2020 bronze medalist) and “Onyok” Velasco (Atlanta 1996 silver medalist) were the ones who gave the check to Lydia’s daughter.

And the two pugilists hope that many more will help Lydia out.

“Masaya ako dahil naging parte ako ng Chooks-to-Go family dahil dito ko po talaga naramdaman ang pagmamahal sa atleta. Mga active, retired na atleta tulad nina Lydia de Vega at Onyok Velasco, hindi pinapabayaan ng Chooks-to-Go. Sa tulong ng Chooks-to-Go, sana mapabilis ang paggaling ni Ma’am Lydia,” said Marcial.

“Hinihingi ko lang po na sana ipagdasal nating lahat si Ma’am Lydia. Walang bayad po ang pagdarasal at makakatulong ito ng malaki sa kanya. Sana po sa susunod, makasama na po namin dito sa Chooks-to-Go si Ma’am Lydia na malakas at magaling na siya.”

“Siyempre sa akin, napakalaking tulong ang suporta ng Chooks-to-Go. Mula noong pandemic, maraming nawalan, pero ako nagkaroon dahil sa Chooks-to-Go. So talagang malaking bagay ‘to,” said Velasco, who has also become a friend to Lydia. “Tapos ‘yong Chooks-to-Go kasi, hindi lang ako ang tinutulungan. Lahat ng mga atleta na heroes, tinutulungan ng Chooks-to-Go, kaya nagpapasalamat ako kay Boss Ronald na walang sawa sa pagsuporta sa mga atleta na nagbigay ng karangalan sa bansa. Kaya hindi ko makakalimutan itong Chooks-to-Go dahil talagang malaking tulong ito sa pamilya ko.

“Tapos si Ma’am Lydia de Vega na nagkasakit, tinulungan din ng Chooks-to-Go. So ‘yong mga atleta na minsan nakakalimutan na, ‘andiyan pa rin ang Chooks-to-Go na tumutulong palagi. Kaya maraming salamat, Boss Ronald. Saludo po ako sa’yo.”

NEWS

NU Lady Bulldogs reach UAAP for 9th consecutive time

November 22, 2023 8:30 p.m.

TOP-SEEDED National University needed just one game to dispose of fourth-ranked Ateneo de Manila University, 58-43, and advance to its ninth straight UAAP Women’s Basketball Finals on Wednesday at the SM Mall of Asia Arena.

The Lady Bulldogs will seek their eighth consecutive title when they face the winner between the twice-to-beat UST Growling Tigresses and the UP Fighting Maroons in the Season 86 best-of-three championship series.

The UST-UP game is ongoing as of publishing.

This was also NU’s 12th straight win after losing to UP in the first round last October 8, 69-72.

“I thought it’s always hard to play against Kacey Dela Rosa and Jhazmin Joson kasi they’re considered nga the 1-2 punch of Ateneo that’s why our main goal every time we play them is to limit them,” said Lady Bulldogs head coach Aris Dimaunahan.

And that goal of limiting the “Kobe and Shaq” of Ateneo in their second straight Final Four duel? NU successfully achieved.

Dela Rosa was limited to just 10 points, including just two in the second half, but still grabbed 11 rebounds and two blocks. In her final game for the Blue Eagles, Jhaz Joson was held to just seven points on a woeful 2-of-12 shooting while also committing eight turnovers.

NU made some separation from a slim 31-27 lead at the break with a strong third quarter that saw Ann Pingol score eight points after being held scoreless in the first half, helping build a 48-37 advantage heading into the fourth.

The Lady Bulldogs continued their onslaught to open the payoff period with Marylene Solis, Maymay Canuto, and Pingol contributing for a 55-39 cushion with 6:15 to go.

After Junize Calago’s layup at the 7:09 mark, the Lady Bulldogs tightened up, with the Blue Eagles’ next basket coming in at the 2:41 mark on a Kacey Dela Rosa deuce, 41-58.

“Thank you sa mga teammates ko na in-encourage nila ako para makabawi ako nung second half kasi nung first half wala talaga ako,” said Pingol, who scored all her 10 points in the pivotal second half where the Lady Bulldogs broke away.

Camille Clarin paced NU in the first half, making all of her 12 points there to go with four assists and three rebounds.

Maymay Canuto and Jainaba Konateh both tallied eight points while grabbing nine and seven rebounds, respectively.

After the game, Joson was given her moment by NU and Ateneo at center court.

Just like last season, the Blue Eagles finished the season in fourth place.

Calago led Ateneo with 12 points, eight rebounds, four steals, and three assists but went just 5-of-19 from the field, while Sarah Makanjuola also added eight points, 16 rebounds, and two blocks.

Mille Gastador had also played her last game for the Blue Eagles.

The Final Four battle was also attended by Gilas Pilipinas players Janine Pontejos, Chack Cabinbin, Khate Castillo, Trina Guytingco, and Mikka Cacho.

The Scores:

NU 58 – Clarin 12, Pingol 10, Canuto 8, Konateh 8, Berberabe 4, Solis 4, Cayabyab 3, Betanio 3, Talas 3, Surada 2, Fabruada 1, Alterado 0, Alcantara 0.

Ateneo 43 – Calago 12, Dela Rosa 10, Makanjuola 8, Joson 7, Villacruz 6, Gastador 0, Angala 0, Solis 0, Nieves 0, Mataga 0, Fetalvero 0, Eufemiano 0.

Quarterscores: 13-11, 31-27, 48-37, 58-43.

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Pacquiao lauds Marcial, wants Asiad silver medalist to fight in Manila before Paris stint

November 12, 2023 5:50 p.m.

RETIRED eight-division world boxing champion Manny Pacquiao has just personally congratulated Paris Olympic-bound fighter Eumir Felix Marcial for winning a silver medal in the recent Hangzhou 19th Asian Games in China. 

Not only becoming the first Filipino boxer to qualify for the Paris Games after reaching the Asiad final — an Olympic continental qualifier, the 28-year-old boxer from Zamboanga City got boxing tips from Pacquiao during their meet up at the Forbes Park in Makati City last Friday. 

“He [Marcial] was congratulated by the Senator personally after bagging a silver medal in the Asian Games and making it to the Olympics for the second time,” International matchmaker Sean Gibbons said. “The living legend Pacquiao was so excited to see him, he also gave Eumir some boxing tips.”

But there was a bigger story from there. 

The 44-year-old future hall of famer, according to Gibbons, is planning to set up a pro fight here in an undetermined venue in Manila for Marcial — one of Marcial’s possible two scheduled pro bouts — before competing to the Paris Olympics from July 26 to August 11. 

“The Asiad silver medalist, Tokyo Olympics bronze medalist just met with Viva Manny Pacquiao, he presented him the silver medal, and the big news was the senator wants to do a fight here in Manila, maybe in February to be sponsored by the Manny Pacquiao promotions,” Gibbons added. 

Marcial, who is sporting a 4-0 win-loss record with two knockouts, expressed excitement to fight in front of his hometown, noting that the last time he fought in Manila was in 2019 Philippines 30th Southeast Asian Games when he won the gold in the middleweight class. 

“It definitely excites me to hear it from Senator himself that he wanted to arrange a fight here for me under his promotions,” Marcial said. “There are many Filipinos who like to see me fight here. I’m begging for the support of my fellow Filipinos.”

Marcial will definitely be the main event bout of the fight card to be arranged by Gibbons later on, but the training of the four-time Southeast Asian Games middleweight king will definitely stay in the United States. 

“My training stays in the United States for sure because that’s only the ideal place to train not only for my pro bouts but also for my Olympic campaign,” added Marcial. “I will just return to Manila two weeks before the fight if it’s officially announced.”

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Experience super-sized fun at SM’s 65th Anniversary this October

October 1, 2023 9:00 p.m.

It’s October and it only means one thing at SM-SuperMonth!

Suit up for some super-sized deals, treats, and fun as SM celebrates its 65th anniversary. Check out the month-long festivities filled with spectacular activities, immersive attractions, and unforgettable experiences that will leave you thrilled and excited.

SM lights up the sky with Super Blue Illumination

Signaling the start of SM’s 65th celebration, key malls and iconic landmarks will bathe in a brilliant shade of blue starting October 1. A sight to behold and an event to watch out for, the Super Blue Illumination is a captivating display of dazzling lights that signify SM’s enduring legacy and commitment to bringing fun, awesome, and memorable malling experiences for over six decades.

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SM MOA Globe

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SM North EDSA

SM MEGA Tower

https://lh5.googleusercontent.com/WdNIsxuBvFpjYsxDu91U7uGtNA-bNFH_ZRjzB5ebDciyemhf-ZBHMDeHUMB0GANvmknMNGxWaYzy5hdozX4JbyikpG4hLi3tKJ1BvQ3adE8Em8K9upcDalcVtmdJ-qaC3itK6w2P3N_m-VtJHLDQ7w

SM Aura 

SM Seaside City Cebu

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SM Makati
https://lh5.googleusercontent.com/CP4VzgIkwvmSeNGOAFXH9Pc68o-jvWQ0Y_jvIOk0Wz9C7PDUt5BhptJPjJnqFYMjNzp5z5TzX_RRGVcLKBP7kWaJB35bbNrZueth59Z2HvXEv4fkIfsqzEnGncsgFCrm9BfTh0OWWIvYHHaXDio3Ww

Baguio Eye
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SM Lanang

It’s a shopper’s paradise with Super Buy 1 Get 1 Deals

October isn’t complete without a month-long parade of super-sized deals and promos at SM Deals! Expect Buy 1 Get 1 Deals from your favorite dining, shopping and entertainment brands, extravagant discounts, exclusive bundles, and exciting freebies you can swipe to redeem in-store when you download and register on the SM Malls online app. And with a diverse range of brands and product offerings at SM, surely there’s something for everyone in everyone’s shopping paradise.

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Indulge yourself with Super Treats

Fun and frenzied October awaits as SM unleashes its Super Treats! On October 15, indulge the movie buff in you as SM Cinema offers a Php 65 movie ticket deal and a Php 65 caramel popcorn combo. It’s truly a match made in cinema heaven! 

https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/I9-hcSm2Fj6qmUDr5tC4CpRXM_YsAFugylNrm7e6XtIZL_OWNfFEJqCD0s_kfIDBC_LkM-Kmx4nWdQCegvimpActZxeywfxdRtOf6c-XDSTbp7v6JBFJT0ABoH_h8pBDVXI3f5tesGxhHDVxN0eVDQ
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From October 1 to 30, knock down pins all you want as SM Game Park and SM Bowling offer Php 65 off on unlimited bowling for one hour. For the skating aficionados, SM Skating will also be slashing off Php 65 on the all-day pass. 

https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/6qZPoIYA57jjH_2KkrTKibslm5M7A5eBD2z-CqP7Ypx7x4e45gCPUy52VwIPxicjgfrifAFBzeVl5fRJam8hdCOtbPCeSRf1UYkjM1sRZBOOy-YLuea4enlLfiTjkyACipINIryiJr_aZRQFgbBR6g
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And for the thrill seekers, you are in for a super treat! Have a whole day of wonder and excitement with a Php 65 entrance fee at Skyranch Tagaytay for all Mondays of October until 12 noon.

https://lh5.googleusercontent.com/0wL8oHmnjjdDkjI2MmUxkVNm982bBf_xHv0teiiSFoJ2QVVHJwy1nuXSLRHTSP4ckChspXq8Uw2OtRbxJjl3M5AX4gDLbHGaJdvbXvQcgY-fEepHfnGN-2X95s3VhGdg-ap-gDtBD6ZGyDHL7_EC7w

Create core memories at the Super Play Spots

Gather your squad and have fun at the Super Play Spots. With well-lit, Instagrammable areas, you’ll have the perfect backdrop for your Super Month memories. These Super Play Spots promise hours of entertainment whether you’re a social media maven or simply looking for a fun day out. Check out the Super Play Spots at SM Mall of Asia, SM Megamall, SM City North Edsa, SM Aura, SM Southmall, SM City Dasmariñas, SM Seaside City Cebu, SM Cagayan Downtown Premier, SM Lanang, SM City Clark, SM City Marikina, and SM City Iloilo.

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Experience the magic of SM City Marikina’s Super Play Spot’s Kaleidoscope Tunnel  – a dazzling experience for family and friends of all ages!

Take your instagrammable photos at SM Mall of Asia’s Super Play Spots.

Drive away in style at the Super Raffle Giveaway with VISA

From October 1 to November 30, eleven lucky shoppers can get a chance to drive away in style at SM’s Super Raffle Giveaway with VISA. All you need to do is to shop for a minimum single receipt purchase of Php 2,000 via tap to pay using your VISA card at participating SM Retail Stores in 75 SM Malls nationwide. Get a chance to win one of the six (6) brand-new Hyundai Stargazers and one of the five (5) brand-new Hyundai Cretas. These brand-new Hyundai cars will really make your daily commute a super experience so shop till you drop and maybe drive away with a new set of wheels!

https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/soqPHkjm-cwxl32_6GaX5S5Eytd1GcoUwtlsjp_Lw-h7jUnFZ8qGFiCs2KaXuZbkbrXAQPz9u3Tz6G3AJuwOcA4i0sPVzXPzCyZuuwxACmfxtsyhcUqGlZhZXr-Ymp3YWT2BeWexsZqCd59GG0X01g

SM’s Super Month promises to be a 65th-anniversary celebration like no other. Don’t miss out on the super-sized deals, indulgent treats, and the chance to win big. Mark your calendars and get ready for a super malling experience at your favorite SM mall.
To stay updated for everything SUPER this October, visit www.smsupermalls.com or follow @SMSupermalls on social media. 

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