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PHL-Japan Historical Museum gets P4.7M renovation fund from Japan


THE nearly 25-year old Philippine-Japan Historical Museum in Davao City is getting a spruce up with a P4.7 million fund from the Japanese government. The Embassy of Japan signed the grant contract last Nov. 28 with the Davao-based Philippine Nikkei Jin Kai, Inc. (PNJK), a non-government organization that manages the museum. In a statement last week, the Japanese embassy said it hopes that the restoration work and upgrading of displays “will contribute to the further enhancement of mutual understanding and deepened relations between the Philippines and Japan.” The museum, built and inaugurated on May 14, 1994, features the historical ties between Japan and Davao, which can be traced back to the early 1900s. “This Museum is a repository of Japan’s past records as immigrants who came to Davao from the year 1903 up to the close of the Second World War, 1942-1945… Old relics, Japanese World War II vintage and other Allied war materials… books, pamphlets, pictures and other writings related to World War II are displayed for public viewing,” the PNJK said on its website.

Major campaign rally for BOL to be launched Dec. 10 in Cotabato City

A MAJOR campaign rally for the ratification of the Bangsamoro Organic Law (BOL) will be launched today, Dec. 10, in Cotabato City, as the official campaign period started last Friday, according to the Office of Presidential Adviser on the Peace Process. “I am confident that despite the challenges, our campaign for the BOL and for peace will have a positive impact not only in the Bangsamoro, but the rest of the country,” Moro Islamic Liberation Front (MILF) Peace Implementing Panel Chair Mohagher Iqbal said during a media forum on the BOL on Dec. 6. In the same forum, the Commission on Elections also announced that the plebiscite will now be held in two dates: Jan. 21 within the Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao (ARMM), Cotabato City, and Isabela City; and Feb. 6 for Lanao del Norte and North Cotabato, including towns and barangays with approved petitions to join the Bangsamoro ARMM (BARMM). Recently-resigned Presidential peace adviser Jesus G. Dureza attended the forum, where he said, “I’ll be supporting my peace partners and the advocacy even in my personal capacity.”
YOUTH VOTERS
A survey conducted in Oct. and Nov 2018 by peace-building non-government organization International Alert (IA) Philippines indicates that “a significant majority of the youth” in the BARMM “will vote YES to the ratification” of the BOL. “This is significant considering that the youth comprise 57% of the registered voters in the ARMM,” said IA Country Manager Nikki de la Rosa said in a statement when the survey results were released on Dec. 6. However, youth were “either not in favor or unsure of the BOL” within the island provinces of Basilan, Sulu, and Tawi-Tawi, which are all part of the ARMM, and the towns of Midsayap, Carmen, and Pigkawayan in North Cotabato. “Our data suggests that those advocating for the BOL may consider putting more effort into explaining to young people how the law will weaken armed groups affiliated with ISIS, create jobs in government, encourage more investments in the Bangsamoro, and prove that it is not Moro-centric, but benefits non-Muslims, including indigenous peoples, as well,” Ms. de la Rosa said. IA will conduct a repeat survey in the first week of Jan. — Marifi S. Jara

Labor coalition seeks dialogue with Bello on killings, harassment of labor activists

A LABOR coalition has called on Labor Secretary Silvestre H. Bello III to have a dialogue with them regarding the killings of trade union leaders.
“We already sent an urgent letter to Secretary Bebot Bello because we are seriously alarmed with the recent killings of trade unionists and the (harassment) and threats encountered by trade union leaders and organizers,” Nagkaisa chairman Sonny Matula said in a statement.
The labor coalition’s request comes after news late last month of the murder of Linus Cubol, former Caraga region chairperson of the Kilusang Mayo Uno(KMU). Mr. Cubol was also the former president of the Manila Mining Corporation workers’ union in Surigao del Norte.
In 2016, Partido Manggagawa-Cebu organizer Orlando Abangon was killed by a still unidentified assasin.
Other incidents were the recent arrest in Bulacan of two former heads of the Confederation for Unity, Recognition and Advancement of Government Employees (COURAGE). And union leaders from the Federation of Free Workers (FFW) in Bulacan were reportedly harassed by police.
Members of the Confederation of Independent Unions (CIU) and Public Services Labor Independent Confederation (PSLINK) have also been accused of being part of the underground communist movement.
Nagkaisa marks Monday, Dec. 10, as the 70th anniversary of the Universal Declaration of Human Rights. “The declaration is intended (to) prevent untold human suffering and aims to lay down the foundations for a just and humane world,” the group said. — G.M. Cortez

Senior UP players grateful for UAAP careers ‘winning’ finish

By Michael Angelo S. Murillo
Senior Reporter
HAD it trying in their University Athletic Association of the Philippines careers, graduating players of the University of the Philippines Fighting Maroons are happy and grateful to have been able to fashion out a “winning” finish to it all.
Captain Paul Desiderio, Diego Dario, Jarrell Lim, Gelo Vito and JJ Espanola all played their final game for the Maroons last week after they bowed to the defending champions Ateneo Blue Eagles in the finals of Season 81.
And while their UAAP careers did not produce a much-coveted title for the Diliman-based team, they are nonetheless very proud of having helped in turning things around for the long-suffering UP basketball program and could not have asked for a better ending.
Part of the team that endured a winless season at one point and a couple of one-victory campaigns, the graduating UP players said to end up were they were on their final year was already as good as winning it all in the UAAP.
“As seniors we are grateful for what we have been able to accomplish this season. Before we were the laughingstock of the league and now to this. We could not have asked for a better ending,” said Lim as they met the UAAP media for the last time as part of the team after their 99-81 Game Two loss to the Eagles on Dec. 5.
“We’re so happy to have reached the finals on my final year with the team. Nobody expected us to be here with some saying a Final Four spot for us was not a guarantee this season. But we reached the finals,” said Desiderio, who carved his name in UP lore by embodying the “fighting” in Fighting Maroons with his now-famous “Atin ‘to” battle cry.
“When I entered in 2013 there were only a few who were watching us but today the coliseum was filled with so many UP supporters. I just hope they would continue supporting the team,” added the versatile player from Cebu.
Season 81 proved to be a breakthrough year for the Maroons as they barged into the UAAP Final Four after 21 years, a continuation on what has been a steady climb for the team in the last three years.
They then added cherry to it all by making it back to the finals after a 32-year absence, doing it by impressive fashion, overcoming a twice-to-win handicap in the semifinals against the higher-seeded Adamson Soaring Falcons.
For the senior players, what UP has become of late has been a product of trusting the process and embracing the winning culture that Maroons coach Bo Perasol is championing.
“Honestly we just trusted the process. We just made sure everybody was on the same page from the practice to the game. We’re happy it has bore fruit,” said Dario.
He was seconded by Vito, saying, “The culture has changed. The winning mentality is back, thanks to Coach Bo. He really pushed us to have this mindset and we are grateful to him for bringing that to the team.”
Both Dario and Vito also mentioned the support of the alumni and the UP community for helping turn things around for Maroon basketball.
“The support of the alumni is amazing and one of the things that is different from when we started. I think Coach Bo picked up from that,” Dario said.
Moving forward, the graduating Maroons said they hope the holdovers and those who are going to come in would build on what they had accomplished in Season 81.
“As seniors we started something this year. We want them to achieve more than what we achieved this season. I’m sure Coach Bo’s goals are the same. The pressure is always there, so there will be pressure on their part. But we’re super-excited for them next season,” said Dario, who also shared that he is now focusing on finishing his studies and continuing to play afterwards.
Apart from winning, Lim said he hopes the Maroons would continue taking to heart what their efforts can do for the whole UP community, a major takeaway for them on their final year.
“We’re happy to unite the UP community with our efforts. It’s something we will remember for the rest of our lives,” said Lim.

Philippine Azkals’ showing at Suzuki Cup to build on

By Michael Angelo S. Murillo
Senior Reporter
THE Philippine men’s national football team’s campaign at the 2018 AFF Suzuki Cup ended on Dec. 6 after the Azkals bowed to Vietnam in the second leg of their semifinals, 2-1, and dropped, 4-2, on aggregate.
It was a showing that one local football analyst is viewing as something the Azkals could have done better in but nonetheless to build on with a lot of key takeaways.
“I think Sven Goran-Eriksson’s reign achieved the bare minimum with the Suzuki Cup semifinals qualification,” said analyst Lorenzo del Carmen when asked by BusinessWorld for his thoughts in the aftermath of the Azkals’ 2-1 defeat at the My Dinh Stadium in Hanoi last Thursday.
The defeat was in follow-up to the Vietnamese’ 2-1 victory over the Philippine side on Dec. 2 at the Panaad Park and Football Stadium in Bacolod City.
“However, things could have been better and the home leg loss to Vietnam in Panaad sealed our fate,” added the analyst, who writes for local site Tiebreaker Times.
Mr. Del Carmen went on to say that it is too early to judge if the hiring of World Cup coach Eriksson was worth it, saying the true test is the AFC Asian Cup next year where the Philippines is competing for the first time.
“I think it’s too early to judge Eriksson’s reign alongside his work with the likes of Scott Cooper and Chris Greatwich. It’s how we’ll do in the Asian Cup that will determine how much we’ve come under his reign,” said the analyst.
The Azkals brought in Mr. Eriksson, who has had an illustrious coaching career with stops in Italy, Portugal, United Arab Emirates and China, to take the team to another level as they prepare for competitions, including the Suzuki Cup and Asian Cup.
Mr. Del Carmen further said that key for the Azkals moving forward is having the right players, citing Stephan Shrock in particular, and a complete roster which can put up a sustained fight.
“My main takeaway is that Stephan Schrock is still our main guy. He’s an amazing player. He runs both ends of the pitch and tries to create something for the team. He’ll be key for our Asian Cup campaign,” Mr. Lorenzo said.
“Players leaving the team because of club duty as we’ve seen with the likes of Neil Etheridge and Daisuke Sato will harm our Asian Cup stint if it occurs. Hopefully the players who’ll play in the Asian Cup won’t leave the team [midstream] as what was seen in the Suzuki Cup our play will be greatly affected by it, particularly our defense,” the analyst added.
The two-leg final of the Suzuki Cup between Malaysia and Vietnam begins on Dec. 11.

Alaska narrows Magnolia’s series lead with Game Three rout

By Michael Angelo S. Murillo
Senior Reporter
THE Alaska Aces finally broke through the win column in their best-of-seven Philippine Basketball Association Governors’ Cup finals series with the Magnolia Hotshots Pambansang Manok, taking Game Three, 100-71, on Sunday at the Ynares Center in Antipolo City.
Dropped the first two games of the finals of the season-ending PBA tournament, the Aces arrested their skid in Game Three, using a strong effort in the middle quarters to pull away and cut the Hotshots’ series lead.
Magnolia took early command of the match, holding a 22-16 lead by the end of the first quarter.
After that, however, Alaska would cascade down on the Hotshots big time, outscoring the latter, 67-28, in the next two quarters to carry a commanding 83-50 lead heading into the final frame.
With the game pretty much settled, the Aces spent the rest of the fourth quarter holding down any attempt by the Hotshots to rally back, something they would have success in as they cruised to the victory.
Import Mike Harris led the way for Alaska in the victory with 36 points and 18 rebounds.
Vic Manuel and Carl Bryan Cruz came off the bench to chip in 14 and 10 points, respectively, while Simon Enciso had 12 markers.
For Magnolia it was Romeo Travis who topscored with 16 points, followed by Mark Barroca with 13 points.
Game Four of the PBA Governors’ Cup finals series is on Wednesday at the Smart Araneta Coliseum.

‘Blessed Era’ continues at UFC as Holloway tops Ortega in Toronto

THE “Blessed Era” at the Ultimate Fighting Championship continued after Max “Blessed” Holloway dominated challenger Brian “T-City” Ortega in their headlining title fight at “UFC 231” in Toronto, Canada, on Sunday (Manila time) to retain his featherweight belt.
Coolly dominant right from the opening bell, Mr. Holloway, back after a year of inactivity, just clinically tore down his opponent the rest of the way with precise striking en route to the technical knockout victory at the end of the fourth round.
Earlier in the day, Ms. Valentina “Bullet” Shevchenko finally got her hand on a long-sought UFC title with a unanimous decision victory over Joanna Jedrzejczyk to win the women’s flyweight title.
Mr. Holloway did not waste much time making his presence felt over Mr. Ortega, pounding on the latter with his trademark volume strikes.
In the second round, the striking would take a toll on Mr. Ortega, who saw his nose badly hit and bloodied.
Mr. Ortega though would continue to fight it out, scoring some early good hits and combinations in the third round against Mr. Holloway.
But the champion eventually regained control as the round wore on, finishing things off with a barrage of strikes.
In the fourth round, Mr. Holloway turned to the broadcast panel and said he would finish things off and delivered accordingly.
He once again rained on Mr. Ortega with tremendous punches on the face, busting his opponent’s left eye open.
Mr. Ortega still showed a lot of heart in fighting off the juggernaut that was Mr. Holloway and eventually survived the round.
However, after being examined by the doctor in between rounds, Mr. Ortega was ruled a no-go with a badly hurt eye, forcing the referee to stop the fight right then and there.
The win improved Mr. Holloway’s record to 20-3 and has successfully defended his title for two straight times now.
He last fought in December last year where he defeated erstwhile champion Jose Aldo in their rematch.
Mr. Holloway had an extended break from the UFC after he was diagnosed with concussion-like symptoms early this year, postponing his fight with Mr. Ortega which was supposed to happen in July.
“Is there anyone else out there?!” Mr. Holloway proudly proclaimed after the fight, highlighting how is the undisputed king in his division and possibly the best pound-for-pound fighter right now.
The loss, meanwhile, dealt Mr. Ortega (14-1) his first defeat as a professional mixed martial arts fighter.
FINALLY A CHAMPION
Meanwhile, Ms. Shevchenko finally added her name to the list of UFC champions with her unanimous decision victory over Ms. Jedrzejczyk.
Ms. Shevchenko proved the steady fighter throughout, showcasing a wider attack than her opponent with a combination of striking and takedowns to run away a 49-46, 49-46 and 49-46 winner.
The win made for a successful return to flyweight for Ms. Shevchenko (16-3), who spent some time at bantamweight.
“I’ve been waiting for this for a long time. Those (And New World Champion) were the magic words I’ve waiting for. This is a product not only of my hard work but also my team,” said Ms. Shevchenko afterwards.
Ms. Jedrzejczyk, the former women’s strawweight champ, dropped to 15-3 with the defeat.
In the Philippines, Cignal TV, the country’s foremost direct-to-home (DTH) company, is the home of the UFC after the two groups agreed to an extensive deal that will see the UFC beamed on various platforms. — Michael Angelo S. Murillo

Tabal, Poliquit top National Milo Marathon Finals in Laoag City

REIGNING Milo Marathon Queen Mary Joy Tabal and returning King Rafael Poliquit won the 42K National Finals men and women’s race category at the 42nd National Milo Marathon Finals in Laoag City yesterday.
The Laoag Finale marked the culmination of National Milo Marathon’s 42nd season, which highlighted the values of discipline, resilience, and determination among its participants throughout its cycle. Over 12,000 runners enjoyed the fair weather as they conquered the thoroughfares which took off from Laoag Centennial Arena to Pres. Ferdinand Marcos Stadium.
Tabal sets another historic record as the Cebuana Olympiad and SEA Games gold medalist emerged victorious with the time of 2:56:31 – making her the first woman marathoner to win the title six times in a row. Fellow Milo Marathon champion Poliquit once again claimed the Milo Marathon King crown for the third time after winning the title twice prior in 2014 and in 2015. The Davao del Norte-native clocked in at 2:28:47.
Tabal and Poliquit each bagged the top purse of P150,000 for winning the local 42K National Finals category. Aside from claiming the top seed slots in the 2019 SEA Games, both will also have the chance to compete in an international marathon in 2019, to be headed by the Philippine Athletics Track and Field Association (PATAFA).

Huelgas seeks 3rd straight SEA Games gold medal

CHAMPION triathlete Nikko Huelgas of Team Go For Gold is thrilled at the prospect of retaining his Southeast Asian Games title in front of his countrymen.
The back-to-back SEA Games gold medalist showed a preview of what he can accomplish after topping the men’s elite category in the 2018 National Age Group Triathlon held in Naga, Cebu recently.
“I was surprised with my own performance because I really had a bad season this year and I don’t know why,” said Huelgas.
Huelgas defeated Go For Gold teammate Andrew Kim Remolino and Jorry Ycong of Rider Omega Tri team by three minutes after clocking two hours, two minutes and four seconds in the 1.5-kilometer swim, 40K bike and 10K run race.
“I want to thank Go For Gold for their unfailing support. If not for them, I wouldn’t be here today with two gold medals in the SEA Games,” said Huelgas.
Go For Gold Philippines headed by Jeremy Go has consistently bankrolled the overseas training and competitions of the men’s elite triathlon squad that helped produce several medals and accolades for the national team.
Just recently, ace triathlete John Leerams Chicano ruled the prestigious Tri-Factor International Triathlon in Quzhou, China under the Go For Gold Philippines banner.
The convincing victory in the NAGT has motivated Huelgas, head of the Athletes Commission in the Philippine Olympic Committee, to push himself to the limit for a third straight gold medal in the SEA Games to be held in Clark and Subic late next year.
“I’m concerned about injuries. It can readily end my bid for a third straight gold, plus the fact that all countries are steadily improving so I don’t want to be complacent,” said Huelgas.
After the just-concluded NAGT, the next big challenge for Huelgas is the Ironman 70.3 race in Vietnam roughly five months from now.

NBA, Vivo now partners in the Philippines

AFTER being partners in programs and activities in China, the National Basketball Association and Vivo have brought their successful linkup to the Philippines via a comprehensive multiyear marketing partnership.
In official and festive ceremonies held at Sofitel’s Harbour Tent on Dec. 6, officials of the NBA and Vivo, along with NBA legend and Basketball Hall-of-Famer Alonzo Mourning, unveiled their latest partnership this time in the country.
Through the partnership, the groups said, they will tap on each other for a wide variety of programs, including having Vivo as the presenting partner of the NBA Playoffs Bracket Challenge, a fantasy basketball game that allows participants to submit their NBA Playoffs predictions, as well as an official partner of Jr. NBA Philippines and NBA 3X Philippines.
NBA and Vivo officials said the Philippine partnership is something they truly welcome, seeing it as providing further value to their respective brands.
“Through this milestone collaboration, Vivo and NBA Philippines will bridge sports and technology through events, activities and programs that will revolutionize how basketball fans and mobile users experience the sport,” said Hazel Bascon, Vivo’s Vice-President for Channel Sales, at the partnership unveiling.
“As one of the fastest-growing makers of smart phones globally, Vivo remains steadfast in its pursuit to producing products that complement the ever-changing lifestyle and needs of the customers. Vivo is also committed in championing the sports industry. For the past two years Vivo has been teaming up with some of the top names in the sports scene through its global campaigns and partnerships,” added Ms. Bascon as she underscored their thrust as a company.
For NBA Philippines Managing Director Carlo Singson, to have Vivo come on board is something they very excited about as it further adds dimension to their push in the country.
“They have been partners with us in China for three years now and I would say Vivo is the ideal partner for us to deliver new ways for fans in the Philippines to experience the NBA right at their fingertips,” said Mr. Singson.
“With innovation at the forefront of Vivo’s products and services, we look forward to integrating Vivo into our local events and global platforms through content creation and activations that will engage the modern Filipino fan,” he added.
The NBA and Vivo began their partnership in 2016 when the latter became the official smart phone partner of NBA China. They have since conducted a series of exciting interactive activities to fans around the NBA China Games as part of its efforts to grow the brand in partnership with sports leagues and organizations.
In the future, Vivo said it will continue to explore its potential in sports, allowing consumers to better experience the excitement of sport through Vivo’s technology and products. — Michael Angelo S. Murillo

MPBL’s lower seeds

Last time, we tackled the top contenders who are likely assured of a spot in the playoffs of the MPBL Datu Cup. This time, we’ll take a look at teams at the lower half of the standings vying for the top two spots in the quarterfinal round.
Over at the tough northern division, a wild battle to the top is seen. Five squads – Bataan Risers, San Juan Knights, Manila Stars, Makati Super Crunch, and the Bulacan Kuyas — are jostling for a better position.
This leaves the sixth, seventh and eighth spots to the other bidders.
The Mandaluyong El Tigre were deserted by their top players earlier than expected and perhaps that’s the price this team has to pay for tapping the services of ABL standouts Ray Parks and JR Alabanza. Other players who also left the squad were Prince Rivero and Thomas Torres.
Once considered as the top favorites, the El Tigre had since then scrambled for a win. At 7-8 card, Mandaluyong is not at the safest spot as teams like Navotas, Pampanga, Pasay, Valenzuela and the rejuvenated Quezon City team are also making their move.
Navotas and Quezon City have won back-to-back games, signifying their intention of joining into the mix of those playoff bidders.
Gabby Severino had taken over the head coaching post for the Clutch, who had since then picked up two straight wins to move up to No. 7 seed at 7-9.
The Capitals, on the other hand, also made their presence felt as if telling everyone not to count them out. Their last two victories had improved their win-loss card to 5-8, and although they are still at No. 11 seed, a win in their next game could move them up three notches higher.
Currently occupying the No. 8 seed are the Pampanga Lanterns at 7-10 and although they’ve won their last two games, coach Aldrin Morante believes they need to get as many wins as possible and keep their fate in their hands.
Pasay and Valenzuela are locked in ninth to 10th positions with the same 6-10 mark.
Down south, it looks like Davao Occidental, Muntinlupa and Batangas City are likely to secure the top four berths with anyone from Bacoor, Parañaque, Gen San, Imus and Laguna likely to join them.
But how do we see the rest of the field?
If the cut off should be made today, then Zamboanga, Cebu, Marikina, Rizal and Basilan will be already out of the running.
But there are still at least nine games left for all of these teams and their chances depend on how consistent they could perform. One win could change everything while another loss could dampen their hopes.
The race to the playoffs has definitely become more exciting for teams at the lower half of the standings.
 
Rey Joble is a member of the PBA Press Corps and Philippine Sportswriters Association.
reyjoble09@gmail.com

Struggling Rockets

The Rockets lost by three points in their latest match, coincidentally the same small margin by which they also absorbed their 14th setback last season. That said, the difference between their current campaign and that of their immediate past is vast, and not simply because it would take them another four months to the day before reaching the negative number. The quality of the opposition is telling; whereas they succumbed to the overachieving but still wanting Mavericks yesterday, it was against the East-leading Raptors that they suffered the same fate the last time around.
Indeed, the Rockets are nowhere near as sharp as they proved to be when they ruled the league through the 2017-18 season and came to within two quarters of upending the powerhouse Warriors and booking a seat to the Finals. For the most part, it’s because the switch-all system that hitherto kept opponents at bay has become far from effective given the personnel turnover. And so profound has the absence of Trevor Ariza and Luc Mbah a Moute become that not even the coaxing of defensive guru Jeff Bzdelik back from retirement seems productive.
It’s too bad, really, because the Warriors need bona fide competition, and the Rockets appeared to play the role to the hilt, with an untimely injury to point god Chris Paul the lone reason they weren’t able to succeed last season. These days, the defending champions are so good that infighting looks to be the only stumbling block to yet another dominant run to the top. Meanwhile, they’re flailing, and, evidently, walking in place. Yesterday, they seemed primed for victory, leading by eight late in the payoff period, only to collapse and allow a 26th lead change in favor of the Mavericks.
True, there’s still time for the Rockets to turn their fortunes around. And, true, Paul and reigning Most Valuable Player James Harden are too good not to find ways to forge ahead. The question is when, not if. The problem is that the rest of the National Basketball Association have figured them out, and unless and until they’re ready to exceed themselves anew, and pronto, their efforts may come too late.
 
Anthony L. Cuaycong has been writing Courtside since BusinessWorld introduced a Sports section in 1994.

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