OFW counseling pushed

July 2, 2024 | 8:11 pm

THE DEPARTMENT of Health (DoH) should provide psychosocial counseling to overseas Filipino workers (OFWs) before their deployment overseas, a congressman said on Tuesday.

The counseling would help OFWs cope with the stress of working abroad as they adapt to new cultures and mounting economic pressures, Party-list Rep. Marissa P. Magsino said.

“The OFWs themselves as well as their families should be given psychosocial counseling because both parties are vulnerable to mental stress due to isolation, family problems, economic pressures and inability to adapt to their new environment,” she said in a statement.

“Even geopolitical pressures add to their anxiety,” she added. — Kenneth Christiane L. Basilio

P110-M creative fund out

July 2, 2024 | 8:10 pm

THE DEPARTMENT of Budget and Management (DBM) on Tuesday said it has approved the release of P110 million for the Trade department’s training program for the creative industry.

“This funding will greatly help in empowering our creative industries to scale new heights and contribute significantly to our nation’s economic and cultural revival,” Budget Secretary Amenah F. Pangandaman said in a statement.

The fund will back the Philippine Creative Industries Development Council’s programs on talent development and training, incubation and acceleration, networking and promotions, export development, intellectual property, research and development, the establishment of creative clusters and hubs, policy advocacy, and market access. — Beatriz Marie D. Cruz

Measles outbreak contained

July 2, 2024 | 8:10 pm

COTABATO CITY — The recent measles outbreak in the Bangsamoro region that infected almost 700 children has been contained, according to a senior health official.

Three children died in the outbreak March to April, Bangsamoro Health Minister Kadil Monera Sinolinding, Jr. told reporters on Tuesday, adding that the vaccination campaign continues.

The outbreak declaration was lifted several weeks ago, he said. “Even so, our vaccination efforts are still on as a mitigation measure.”

Mr. Sinolinding said they have also released the health emergency allowance of health workers in the region’s six provinces and three cities. The allowance was given by the National Government as a special incentive for those who helped protect the local communities from the coronavirus at the height of the pandemic. — John Felix M. Unson

Firecracker store shut after accident

July 2, 2024 | 8:09 pm

COTABATO CITY — The Zamboanga City government on Monday suspended the business permit of a firecracker dealer whose merchandise in a warehouse exploded on Saturday, killing five people and hurting 21 others.

Zamboanga City Mayor John Dalipe had ordered the suspension pending investigation by the police and Bureau of Fire Protection, according to radio reports.

The explosions damaged buildings around the warehouse, they said. The owner of the firecracker business had been invited for questioning by police.

Mr. Dalipe led the distribution of relief support for the 21 blast victims, some of whom were still confined in hospitals. — John Felix M. Unson

QC councilor’s graft plea denied

July 2, 2024 | 8:08 pm

THE SANDIGANBAYAN has rejected a former Quezon City councilor’s plea to reconsider his conviction for graft.

In a 10-page resolution promulgated on June 26, the anti-graft court’s Sixth Division said ex-Quezon City District 3 Councilor Dante M. de Guzman had failed to convince it to reverse the ruling.

He was convicted earlier of four counts of graft.

“Accused de Guzman failed to convince this court that the reversal of the assailed decision is warranted,” according to a copy of the resolution written by Associate Justice Sarah Jane T. Fernandez posted on the court’s website.

Mr. De Guzman did not immediately reply to a Facebook Messenger chat seeking comment. — Kenneth Christiane L. Basilio

Training partnership inked

July 2, 2024 | 8:08 pm

THE PHILIPPINE Business for Education (PBEd) has partnered with information and communications technology distributor VST ECS to provide tools and free skill training to the youth.

VST ECS will offer laptops and its facilities to qualified K-12 graduates and college students from Pinagbuhatan Village in Pasig City, PBed said in a statement.

Trainees will also participate in a 10-day call center training by the Leyte Communications Training Center.

PBEd Executive Director Justine B. Raagas said young people should have communication, critical thinking, tech literacy and lifelong learning skills to thrive in any industry. — Chloe Mari A. Hufana

Gilas Pilipinas all poised to fight in race for Paris Olympics ticket

July 2, 2024 | 7:24 pm

Game Tuesday
(Arena Riga, Latvia)
7 p.m. (12 a.m. Wednesday in Manila) — Georgia vs Latvia

Game Wednesday
(Arena Riga, Latvia)
7 p.m. (12 a.m. Thursday in Manila) — Latvia vs Philippines

Game Thursday
(Arena Riga, Latvia)
3:30 p.m. (8:30 p.m. in Manila) — Philippines vs Georgia

DESPITE the difficulties ahead, there’s a pervasively upbeat mood at the Gilas Pilipinas camp in Riga, Latvia.

Coach Tim Cone feels the Nationals are all poised to fight for the country in the race for the golden ticket to the Paris Olympics. “It’s been a whirlwind trip so far and it’s hard to get a gauge on exactly where we are and how much we need to do in the limited time that we had,” Mr. Cone said in an interview on One Sports.

“But we’re real positive. We felt we’ve proven that we can stay with these guys, these European teams. We played our two friendlies pretty tough,” he added.

Mr. Cone’s Gilas 11 spent a good part of its pre-OQT buildup on the road, playing Turkey in Istanbul and Poland in Sosnowiec. They lost both, 73-84 and 80-82, but the twin friendlies served as a valuable workout and feel of Euro basketball that awaits in the July 2 to 7 meet versus host Latvia and Georgia.

Gilas takes a bye in the Qualifiers’ opening slate Tuesday night (early today in Manila), giving it an extra time of preparation and scouting opportunities in the Group A duel between the No. 6 Latvians and the No. 23 Georgians.

The Pinoy cagers take the court of the Arena Riga Wednesday at 7 p.m. (Thursday midnight in Manila) against the hosts and their 12,000-strong supporters.

The Latvians won’t have Kristaps Porzingis, who underwent surgery after the Boston Celtics’ ascension to the NBA throne. But Davis Bertans of the Charlotte Hornets, former NBA players Rodions Kurucs and Dairis Bertans and the core of the crew that placed fifth in the FIBA World Cup in Manila last year will suit up.

Mr. Cone expects his brave warriors led by naturalized player Justin Brownlee, twin towers June Mar Fajardo and Kai Sotto and veteran internationalist Dwight Ramos to rise to the occasion.

“It’s going to be tough in front of this big crowd here when we play Latvia,” said Mr. Cone.

“But we feel we’ll match up with them pretty well; they’re not going to outsize us. But they’re really good in their execution, in the way they move the ball and we’re going to do a lot of chasing throughout the game.”

Messrs. Fajardo and Sotto will play big roles versus Latvia.

“We’ll see if we can get the ball down to June Mar and Kai. I think that’s going to be our advantage against them,” said Mr. Cone.

It will be a quick turnaround after the Latvia gig, though, as Gilas returns to the arena merely eight hours later on Thursday at 3:30 p.m. (8:30 p.m. in Manila) for the showdown with Georgia.

After this, the Nationals hope to continue the fight in Saturday’s crossover semis and Sunday’s finale, defy the odds and ultimately realize their Olympic dreams. — Olmin Leyba

Blu Girls beat New Zealand, 5-1, to open its Canada Cup bid

July 2, 2024 | 7:23 pm

REYAE MAE VILLAMIN went on a home-run binge and Royevel Palma’s rock-solid pitching as the Philippines smashed New Zealand, 5-1, Tuesday to jumpstart its bid in the 2024 Canada Cup International Softball Championship in Surrey in British Columbia.

Ms. Villamin blasted a pair of over-the-fence home runs — the first in a lone homer in the bottom of the second inning and the other a grand slam in the sixth — while Ms. Palma allowed just a run in helping power the Cebuana Lhuillier-coached Blu Girls to the emphatic victory.

Tied at 1-1 with two outs and the bases loaded, the hawkeyed Ms. Villamin pelted the devastating four-bagger straight to centerfield and then Ms. Palma worked her magic in the mound in fanning the remaining Kiwi batters atop the seventh and final inning that sealed it.

The win sent the Filipinas, mentored by Ana Santiago with Chekwa Valenzuela as assistant, at joint No. 2 with Israel, just a shadow behind Pool A leader Canada, which has two wins.

“I have always believed in the capability of our team. Their performance today (July 2) is a result of their hard work and earnest attitude,” said ASAPHIL President Jean Henri Lhuillier.

“I am confident they can continue this momentum and bring home the championship,” he added.

The country will next tackle Hong Kong and host Canada in a double-header Tuesday, Israel Wednesday and Mexico Thursday hoping to claim a spot to the playoff round set Friday to Sunday.

Other squads seeing action are Colorado, Saskatchewan 222, Australia, Greece, the Czech Republic and Chinese Taipei. — Joey Villar

POC’s Tolentino serves as caretaker of Paris-bound athletes

July 2, 2024 | 7:22 pm

POC President Abraham Tolentino — FACEBOOK.COM/OLYMPICPHI

WITH a small administrative team handling Paris Olympics-bound Filipino athletes that he’s heading, Philippine Olympic Committee (POC) President Abraham Tolentino literally has his hands full.

“Tatay na tatay (Like a real father),” said Mr. Tolentino of the role he is having as the caretaker of the national team training in Metz, France as part of the latter’s month-long training for the biggest fight of their lives — the Paris Games.

With help from training director Nikko Huelgas and POC secretary-general Wharton Chan, Mr. Tolentino has been doing most of the errands for the squad including doing the market duties himself once every four days. “It’s like doing what a dad does to his family,” he added.

Mr. Tolentino has been with the delegation from the moment they left the country 10 days ago and should also be with them for the competition proper itself slated July 26 to Aug. 11.

The first Sunday in Metz saw the team attending Holy Mass at the St. Bernard Church with members of the Filipino Community, Department of Moselle and the Philippine Embassy in France while gracing the ceremonial torch relay at the Relais De La Flamme Olympique also in Metz.

“It’s home away from home that makes our athletes feel better and all psyched up for the Olympics,” he said.

At the training camp are weightlifters Vanessa Sarno, Elreen Ando and John Febuar Ceniza; boxers Aira Villegas, Hergie Bacyadan, Carlo Paalam and Nesthy Petecio; and rower Joanie Delgaco.

World champion gymnast Carlos Yulo, swimmers Kayla Sanchez and Jarod Hatch also arrived over the weekend while pug Eumir Marcial should arrive anytime soon from his United States training.

The rest like gymnasts Levi Jung-Ruivivar, Aleah Finnegan and Emma Malabuyo, and fencer Samantha Catantan should come in also soon from different destinations where they have also trained. — Joey Villar

Celtics owners put championship winning team up for sale

July 2, 2024 | 7:21 pm

BOSTON Celtics’ ownership group Boston Basketball Partners, led by Wyc Grousbeck, said on Monday they intend to sell all the shares of the team who won the NBA championship last month.

“The controlling family of the ownership group, after considerable thought and internal discussion, has decided to sell the team for estate and family planning considerations,” the team announced in a statement.

The managing board of the ownership group expects to sell a majority interest in 2024 or early 2025, with the balance closing in 2028, and expects Mr. Grousbeck to remain as the Governor of the team until the second closing in 2028, the team added.

Mr. Grousbeck and partner Steve Pagliuca led a group that purchased the team in 2002 for $360 million, ESPN reported.

The value of teams has skyrocketed since then with the Phoenix Suns reportedly selling for $4 billion in February 2023 and the Milwaukee Bucks and Dallas Mavericks fetching $3.5 billion each since then. The Celtics beat the Dallas Mavericks 4-1 in the best-of-seven finals on June 17 to deliver the storied franchise an NBA best 18^th championship.

Boston are favorites to repeat next season with the duo of finals Most Valuable Player Jaylen Brown and forward Jayson Tatum. — Reuters

TNT acquires Rey Nambatac from Blackwater Bossing

July 2, 2024 | 7:21 pm

TNT has bolstered its backcourt with the acquisition of Rey Benedict Nambatac from Blackwater.

The Tropang Giga got the rights to Mr. Nambatac on Tuesday in exchange for guard Kib Montalbo, big man Jewel Ponferada and TNT’s Season 53 second round draft pick.

Mr. Nambatac joined TNT after one conference with the Bossing, whom he joined from his first team Rain or Shine in a swap late in Season 48.

The 5-foot-11 standout from Letran averaged 11.1 points, 2.8 rebounds, 4.4 assists, and 1.0 steal in 11 appearances for Blackwater in the PBA Philippine Cup.

With “Sting Rey” on board, he infuses firepower and fresh legs into the TNT guard line headed by veterans Jayson Castro, Ryan Reyes and Brian Heruela and offers additional scoring threat after top guns Calvin Oftana and RR Pogoy.

The Tropang Giga are out to regain their winning ways after failing to get past the quarterfinals of the Commissioner’s Cup and the All-Filipino last season. They last lifted the trophy in the Season 47 Governors’ Cup. — Olmin Leyba

Alcaraz, Sinner and Gauff open Wimbledon campaigns in style; injury rules out Sabalenka

July 2, 2024 | 7:21 pm

LONDON — For the last 50 weeks, Carlos Alcaraz knew the exact date and time he would walk back on Centre Court to open the defence of his Wimbledon title and the Spaniard kept his goosebumps in check on Monday to book his place in the second round.

While injury woes have plagued many of the players who have also hoisted the Challenge Cup in recent years — with question marks over the participation of Novak Djokovic and Andy Murray — Mr. Alcaraz showed he was fighting fit despite a less than ideal build-up to the grasscourt major.

The third seed, who admitted he even gets nervous practising on the spiritual home of grasscourt tennis, beat fellow 21-year-old, Estonian qualifier Mark Lajal, 7-6(3) 7-5 6-2 on an overcast day in southwest London.

World number one and top seed Jannik Sinner suffered a mid-match injury scare after a slip and was briefly troubled by Germany’s Yannick Hanfmann before winning 6-3 6-4 3-6 6-3 to set up a mouth-watering all-Italian clash against 2021 runner-up Matteo Berrettini.

The opening day of the grasscourt Grand Slam saw several seeds pull out with injuries or illness — the highest-profile being women’s third seed Aryna Sabalenka who could not take to court because of a shoulder injury.

Fellow Belarusian and twice Australian Open champion Victoria Azarenka also pulled out with a shoulder problem ahead of her match with 2017 US Open winner Sloane Stephens.

Mr. Sabalenka’s withdrawal removed one mighty obstacle for second seed Coco Gauff who concluded Centre Court action on Monday with an impressive 6-1 6-2 defeat of fellow American Caroline Dolehide.

Former world number one and four-time Grand Slam champion Naomi Osaka returned to Wimbledon after a five-year absence and came through a topsy-turvy clash against France’s Diane Parry, winning 6-1 1-6 6-4. — Reuters