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Obiena named PH flag bearer at Hanoi SEA Games

ERNEST JOHN “EJ” OBIENA will be Team Philippines’ flag-bearer in the traditional parade of nations during the May 12 opening ceremony of the 31st Southeast Asian Games at the MNy Dinh National Stadium in Hanoi.

And no less than Hidilyn Diaz, the country’s first Olympic gold medalist, fully supported Obiena, saying that her fellow Tokyo Olympian pole vaulter is the “story of every Filipino athlete who fights to bring home pride and glory to the country.”

“I’m very happy to see EJ as our flag bearer for Team Philippines,” said Diaz, who, like Obiena, will defend her weightlifting gold medal in the postponed Games from last year. “I’m happy for him and the rest of the Philippine delegation. I will support him.”

Diaz and Obiena could be holding the country’s colors together in the parade of nations, but the SEA Games allow only one athlete to be bestowed with the honor.

“There could only be one flag bearer for each country. We nominated Hidilyn and EJ, but it was turned down,” Philippine Olympic Committee president Rep. Abraham “Bambol” Tolentino said. “Like Hidilyn, EJ has all the qualifications to be our flag bearer.”  

Obiena retaining the SEA Games gold medal is a cinch. He won gold in the 2019 Philippine Games with a commanding leap of 5.45 meters and since then, has set the bar higher to a new Asian men’s record of 5.93 meters he set last year in Innsbruck, Austria, last year.

“It’s an honor,” Obiena said. “I was heading home after training here in Formia [Italy] when I received the message.”

As flag bearer, a big responsibility comes with the honor. But Obiena said he’s ready for the challenge.

“All I can do for now is to train harder and be better, and smarter,” the 26-year-old Obiena said. “I really want to defend my SEA Games title.”

The 6-foot-2 pole vaulter is one of 656 athletes who will be defending the country’s grip of the overall championship in the Games that Vietnam is hosting for only the second time since 2003.

The hosts programmed 40 sports—the Philippines is competing in 39 of them—which they intend to dominate. But Tolentino is undaunted.

“We are fielding a fighting team,” Tolentino said.

Team Philippines will fly to Vietnam in batches with the main bulk set to leave on May 10, two days before the opening ceremony. The Games end on May 23.

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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NEWS

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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NEWS

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

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SM Aura 

SM Seaside City Cebu

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SM Makati
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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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