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Ramirez: PH’s sports success a result of hard work, sacrifices of athletes, coaches

June 14, 2022 4:00 p.m.

THE OUTSTANDING success of Philippine sports in major competitions, highlighted by weighlifter Hidilyn Diaz’s historic gold in the Tokyo Olympics,  the last six years was not by chance or conjured out of thin air, stressed Philippine Sports Commission chairman William ‘Butch’ Ramirez on Tuesday. 

“These achievements were not done by magic. Hindi ito tsamba,” noted Ramirez in what he described as his ‘exit interview’ during a solo appearance in the first face-to-face Philippine Sportswriters Association (PSA) Forum in over two years at the Rizal Memorial Sports Complex administration building audio visual room in Manila. 

“Kung wala kang itinanim, wala ka rin aanihin,” added the PSC honcho of the hundreds of millions of pesos the government sports agency has poured into elite sports and national athletes that led to the country’s fruitful campaigns overseas.  

“I was blessed that we had the money when I came back as PSC chairman and knew the need of our national athletes since I stayed with them at the Philsports Complex dorms in Pasig,” said Ramirez in the session backed by San Miguel Corporation (SMC), MILO, PSC, Philippine Olympic Committee, Unilever, Amelie Hotel Manila, and the Philippine Amusement and Gaming Corporation (PAGCOR).

He disclosed the PSC invested P600 million in elite sports at the start of his second term in 2016, P800 million in 2017, then over P1 billion in 2019 as the national athletes primed themselves for the country’s hosting of the 30th Southeast Asian Games. 

The fruits of that investments resulted in the country bagging four golds, two silvers and five bronzes in the highly-competitive 2018 Asian Games in Indonesia, recapturing the SEA Games overall crown in 2019 at home with 149 gold, 117 silver and 121 bronze medals, and its first gold medal in the Olympics in Tokyo last year courtesy of the heroics of Diaz. 

Counting the Olympic silver medals of boxers Carlo Paalam and Nesthy Petecio, and the bronze of fellow fighter Felix Eumir Marcial, the Tokyo Olympic edition was the best Philippine outing in the quadrennial Summer Games since Filipinos made their debut in the 1900 Paris Olympics. 

“These so-called golden years of Philippines was the result of the hard work and sacrifices of our athletes and coaches. And it was people’s money, taxpayer’s money that made it all possible,” Ramirez underscored.

“The PSC has not been remiss in supporting our Philippine delegations to overseas competitions. This has been very, very clear,” he said, adding that the feats were a “collaborative effort of the PSC, Philippine Olympic Committee, and National Sports Associations.”

To sustain the gains in Philippine sports in the next six years, Ramirez said the new leaders of the agency should learn how to adapt to the changing conditions 

“One of the most important pillars of management is adaptability. Our leaders need to be alert and adapt to the times. Hindi puwedeng patulog-tulog,” he said. 

“We have to provide money, provide proper support for our sports such as sports science and provide good governance by our leaders. You will not achieve this high level of performance in international competition without these provisions,” the PSC chief explained.

Ramirez said he was ready to step down at the end of the month after more than two decades of being associated with PSC, beginning as commissioner in 1998 under the administration of the late chairman Carlos Tuason. 

“I am ready to return to Davao but am willing to be an adviser and share my experience and knowhow with the incoming PSC leadership,” the 72-year-old Davao City native said.  

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Join the league of retail leaders: Why top brands call SM home

7:47 p.m. September 30, 2034

As consumer expectations evolve, SM Supermalls continues to lead the way, not just in expansion but in completely reimagining the mall experience. Partnering with global and local industry leaders, SM creates an unmatched platform for brands to thrive in the competitive Philippine retail market.

Why Brands Choose SM: The Perfect Partnership for Growth

More than just a shopping destination, SM Supermalls offers retailers strategic advantages that extend beyond leasing space. With millions of visitors each year and a comprehensive approach to marketing and customer engagement, SM gives brands the tools they need to succeed. Here’s why top global and homegrown retailers prefer SM:

  1. Unmatched Visibility and Foot Traffic
    SM Supermalls are strategically located in key cities across the Philippines, ensuring high foot traffic and exposure to diverse consumer demographics. For brands looking to break into the Filipino market, this visibility is critical for building awareness and driving sales.
  • Integrated Marketing Support
    SM partners benefit from extensive marketing initiatives, including in-mall promotions, digital innovations, and social media campaigns that extend the reach of new store openings, product launches, and events. SM ensures that each new partner gets the spotlight it deserves.
  • A Hub for Innovation and Global Firsts
    From first-in-the-country experiences to unique retail concepts, SM consistently attracts pioneering brands that shape the future of retail. For example, the first Disney Store in the Philippines has opened its doors at SM Mall of Asia, providing an immersive retail experience for families.  In the culinary space, two viral sensations have chosen SM to be their first home in the country. Burger & Lobster, a London-based favorite, is opening soon at SM Aura, offering an exciting new dining experience. Gyukatsu Kyoto Katsugyuhas fired up its stone grills, bringing authentic beef-style katsu to Filipinos at SM Mall of Asia.
  • Collaborative Business Ecosystem
    SM Supermalls offer more than just retail space—they foster an ecosystem where businesses can thrive. SM provides brands access to a robust support network, enabling collaborations, strategic partnerships, and a future-focused approach to business growth.

What’s New at SM? Experience the Best, First

SM’s dynamic retail portfolio continues to grow, bringing globally and locally loved brands to Filipino consumers. Some of the latest additions include:

●      Disney Store at SM Mall of Asia – The first of its kind in the country.

●      Burger & Lobster at SM Aura – A world-renowned London eatery.

●      Venchi at SM Podium – Italy’s famous chocolatier and gelateria.

●      Allbirds at SM Megamall – Opened its first store at SM.

●      National Geographic Store at SM Aura – The first in the Philippines.

●      Maison Margiela, Le Labo, Aesop, and Victoria’s Secret at SM Mall of Asia – Top luxury and lifestyle brands.

●      Sunnies World at SM Mall of Asia  – An experiential concept store of the local cult favorite brand.

These brands have chosen SM for the strategic opportunity to grow their presence in the Philippines, where they can access an ever-growing and diverse consumer base.

Partner with SM: The Future of Retail Awaits

There’s more to come at SM Supermalls as we continue to push the boundaries of retail, transforming our malls into thriving communities where businesses and consumers alike can grow. Whether through flagship stores, exclusive partnerships, or innovative retail concepts, SM is the partner of choice for brands that want to make an impact in the Philippine market.

Stay connected with SM Supermalls and discover more about how we’re reshaping the future of retail. Visit www.smsupermalls.com or follow us on @SMSupermalls for exclusive previews and updates.

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Paradise Dynasty now open at Greenbelt 5

September 29, 2024

Paradise Dynasty’s #WorldsFamous 8 colored Xiao Long Bao Now Open at Greenbelt 5, 3rd Level, Ayala Center, San Lorenzo, Makati City.

Follow their socials:

Social media accounts:

fb: @paradisedynastyph

IG: @paradisedynastyph

Web: http://paradisedynasty.ph

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Jordan Brand’s New Tatum 3 delivers lightweight feel, adaptable performance

1:41 p.m. September 25, 2024

A gold medal. A championship ring. A hunger for more.

After winning on the greatest stages in the game this summer, Jayson Tatum is back for another NBA season — ready to rise to the occasion in his latest signature shoe, the Jordan Tatum 3.

The new, court-ready silhouette has all the features fit for a champion while delivering unmatched style and continuing the Tatum series’ reign as the lightest in the Jordan Brand basketball collection.

“I don’t take having a signature shoe for granted,” Jayson says. “I’m grateful to be in a position where I can co-create with Jordan Brand and have fans connect with me through my shoe. My favorite part of the 3s is the way they take on color, so my hope is that we inspire and energize a lot of people through the colorway storytelling.”

The Tatum 3 is the result of Jayson’s extensive collaboration with Jordan Brand’s footwear designers, who met his needs with a shoe that feels broken in right out of the box, and adapts to the foot without restrictions or pressure. A new upper incorporates insights from athletes’ on-court moves in the Nike Sport Research Lab, layering materials where they matter most for power and comfort, creating a supportive, conforming fit without feeling bulky or stiff. 

Cushlon 3.0 foam and a Zoom Air insert work alongside the upper’s firm frame to promote lateral movements that feel smooth and secure, and a herringbone traction pattern propels a superior first step and quick cut while helping hoopers stop on a dime.

The smoothness of Jayson’s play and his commitment to his family are built into the Tatum 3, reflected in fluid lines that represent his uninterrupted approach to the game and the foundation of his family tree. Like the Tatum 2, the name of Jayson’s son, Deuce, is featured on the inside of the tongue, opposite his signature JT logo, and his number 0 is included on the heel along with unique sayings on the heel tabs, specific to each colorway. His popular “Find A Way” quote from his 2023 “humbly” interview is also included on the medial side of the shoe.

The launch colorway, Welcome to the Garden, showcases growth in all areas of Jayson’s life — his family, his game and his pursuit of greatness — in a floral pattern that nods to his home and personal garden, where he’s surrounded by family, friends and loved ones.

Jayson first unveiled the new silhouette via the NBA 2K25 cover and during his summer tour of China, where he teamed up with fellow Jordan Brand athletes Luka Dončić, Zion Williamson and Paolo Banchero to connect with local youth and foster their love for the game.

The Tatum 3 will be available globally on jordan.com and select retailers October 10. 

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