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Esports gains ground in the country with new school-based program

INTERSCHOOL esports in the country is getting a big boost with an agreement that looks to engage more than one thousand teams from over 200 schools with the opportunity to train, compete, be coached, win scholarships and eventually become medal-winning esports athletes.

Fresh from its organizing stint in the Southeast Asian (SEA) Games esports competition, Mineski Global has set its sights on developing the school esports landscape.

The premier esports organization in Southeast Asia, and the Philippine Collegiate Champions League (PCCL) have partnered to transform esports into a world-class, big-league competitive sport in schools nationwide.

Mineski and PCCL will not only manage and organize the new National Interschool Cyber League (NICL) but will also create a sustainable and multi-pronged esports program nationwide under the banner of the Youth Esports Program (YEP).

“The continued growth and development of esports in the country presents us with another avenue for excellence, sportsmanship, and inclusion. Esports advances not just skills but also values of hard work and determination among all players,” said Mineski Global CEO and founder Ronald Robins.

For its part, PCCL will offer member schools a chance to participate in the new league and develop their own comprehensive esports programs in collaboration with Mineski.

PCCL has a long track record in national collegiate basketball championships and has recently recalibrated its program to include a wider list of activities to help spur participation among students and institutions.

“This is the future of sports and competition. Esports is more inclusive than other sports and will help lead even more of our new generation to play competitively and responsibly in tournaments and engage in activities at par with the rest of the world,” said Rey Gamboa, PCCL Chairman.

PCCL is best known for bringing together leagues such as the University Athletic Association of the Philippines (UAAP), the National Collegiate Athletic Association (NCAA) and the Cebu Schools Athletic Foundation, Inc. (CESAFI).

In 2019, PCCL hosted the Digital Games Championship, its maiden foray into esports which saw 108 teams from various schools participate. A team from the University of the East won the championship.

For this year, Mineski has drawn up a comprehensive schedule of activities to engage students not just in competition but also in training, coaching, and even development of full careers in esports.

In addition to tournaments, Mineski has drawn up plans for on-campus activities that will help promote careers in esports, responsible gaming and other esports-related topics for students.

Already, the First Asian Institute of Technology and Humanities (FAITH) Colleges, based in Tanuan, Batangas has been among the pioneers in offering an esports curriculum to its students.

“We’ll be exploring ways of training and motivating athletes for careers in esports. This program will also promote esports as a legitimate part of the school curriculum and reveal the positives it can bring to the table,” said PCCL Esports President Chot Reyes.

“The same way basketball grew from the grassroots level, we’re now excited to promote and grow esports in the country,” he added. The five-time PBA Coach of the Year and basketball coaching legend is expected to bring esports to new heights.

A Filipino champion gamer, Mr. Robins established Mineski Global and its related business units from an innovative and entrepreneurial spirit. He hopes to cultivate this as well among young Filipino gamers.

“There will be a platform for eventual careers as esports athletes or within the esports ecosystems like game designers, content creators, product managers, event managers, and business developers, to name a few,” he said.

Esports took the limelight in last year’s Southeast Asian Games, as it was included as a medal sport in the regional event for the first time. Filipinos like Caviar “Enderr” Acampado from team Liyab, and co-trained by Mineski, led the national esports team to several victories. Acampado is the lone Filipino gold medal individual winner at the games while Team Philippines won the overall esports title.

PCCL-member schools and esports teams looking to participate in this year’s program can visit the Mineski Events Team — MET Events Facebook page.

GM Laylo replaces GM Sadorra in PHL team for Chess Olympiad

THE NATIONAL Chess Federation of the Philippines has tapped GM Darwin Laylo to replace GM Julio Catalino “Ino” Sadorra in the national team competing in the 44th World Chess Olympiad set August 5 to 18 in Moscow, Russia.

“GM Julio Catalino “Ino” Sadorra will be replaced by GM Darwin Laylo, who placed second to International Master Haridas Pascua in the 4-man elimination tournament held recently, in the Olympic team.” said Atty. Cliburn Anthony Orbe, newly-appointed executive director of the National Chess Federation of the Philippines.

The final line-up according to Mr. Orbe, Laylo, reigning Philippine National Chess Champion GM Rogelio “Banjo” Barcenilla Jr., GM John Paul Gomez, IM Paulo Bersamina and IM Haridas Pascua.

Mr. Laylo, is one of the top players of multi-titled Philippine Army chess team, expressed readiness to take part in his Olympiad quest, saying that he’ll begin intensive training Saturday.

“Special thanks to our NCFP chairman/president Prospero “Butch” Pichay Jr. and executive director Atty. Cliburn Anthony Orbe for this opportunity,” Mr. Laylo said.

Coming off a winning performance at the Hong Bao Rating Tournament 2020 (Open division), the San Roque, Marikina City-based Laylo is looking to follow-up the victory in the Singapore Chess Federation High Performance Enrichment (HPE) in Bishan, Singapore. — Marlon Bernardino

Maria Sharapova, 32, says goodbye to tennis

BERLIN — Maria Sharapova, the Russian five-time Grand Slam champion who became one of the highest paid sportswomen in the world, announced the end of her career at the age of 32 on Wednesday.

Siberia-born Sharapova, whose Wimbledon victory over Serena Williams in 2004, aged 17, propelled her to superstardom and riches, broke the news in an article for magazine Vanity Fair.

“I’m new to this, so please forgive me. Tennis — I’m saying goodbye,” Sharapova, whose rags to riches story captivated the sporting world but turned sour when she was banned for doping, wrote in a farewell article.

Her decision to quit is hardly a major surprise as she has been a pale imitation of her former self since returning in 2017 from the 15-month ban for taking prohibited heart drug meldonium at the 2016 Australian Open.

The former world number one has played only two matches this year, losing in the first round of the Australian Open, with her ranking sliding to 373.

“Looking back now, I realize that tennis has been my mountain. My path has been filled with valleys and detours, but the views from its peak were incredible,” she said.

“After 28 years and five Grand Slam titles, though, I’m ready to scale another mountain, to compete on a different type of terrain.”

Sharapova, whose trademarks were her ferocious intensity and pounding groundstrokes, completed her career Grand Slam when she won the French Open in 2012. She also won at Roland Garros again in 2014, her last major title.

She became the first Russian woman to reach number one in the rankings in 2005 and claimed the US Open title in 2006. She also won the Australian Open in 2008.

“It’s a shame, of course, because Maria was a role model for everyone,” Shamil Tarpischev, president of Russia’s Tennis Federation, told RIA news agency.

WTA Tour chairman Steve Simon added: “She will be greatly missed by her millions of fans around the world.”

INJURY PROBLEMS
Sharapova, who grew up in Sochi, was spotted playing at a tennis camp in Moscow by former great Martina Navratilova and moved with father Yuri to Florida with little money and no English, claimed 36 titles.

But injuries, especially her shoulder, blighted her career.

A torn rotator cuff in 2008 required surgery and she was out for six months, dropping her outside the top 100.

Showing the tenacity that marked her career, she battled back though and her two French Open titles on a claycourt surface she once loathed earned Sharapova admiration.

Her career took a dark turn in 2016. After an 18th consecutive defeat by Serena Williams, in the quarterfinals of the Australian Open, Sharapova failed an anti-doping test and was initially banned for two years by the International Tennis Federation (ITF).

Sharapova claimed she had not realized that meldonium, which she said she had taken for health issues throughout her career, had been added to the World Anti-Doping Agency’s banned list.

Her ban was eventually reduced to 15 months and she returned to action in April 2017 after being handed wildcards at several events, which drew criticism from some fellow players.

Later that year she won the Tianjin Open, the last title of a storied career that earned her $38.7 million in prize money — a figure dwarfed by off-court earnings that according to Forbes made her the highest-paid female athlete for 11 years in a row.

The all-too-frequent career breaks, gave Sharapova time to establish a confectionary company called Sugarpova, from which some of the proceeds go to the Maria Sharapova Foundation — a charity set up to help victims of the 1986 Chernobyl nuclear accident from which her parents fled.

While that will keep her busy, Sharapova said the thrill of competition will be missed. — Reuters

Kaya rues missed chances in nil-nil draw with Tampines

By Michael Angelo S. Murillo
Senior Reporter

WHILE RECOGNIZING its opponent dominated the game, Kaya FC-Iloilo said it had its opportunities to win in its Group H match against Singapore’s Tampines Rovers in the AFC Cup at the Rizal Memorial Stadium but just could not capitalize on them.

It is something Kaya is pondering upon as it turns its attention to its next game in the tournament.

The home team held tough as visiting Tampines tried to snatch a win on Philippine soil but goalkeeper Louie Casas and the rest of Kaya would stand their ground.

“We played well in the first half but football is not won in the first half. Despite Tampines dominating the game, we had our chances but we did convert them. We were just unlucky not to score a goal but we had a lot of chances,” said Kaya coach Oliver Colina as he reflected on their performance.

The Kaya coach said they will go back on the drawing board in preparation for their next match, an away fixture, against Indonesian club PSM Makassar on March 10.

“We wanted to win but just did not get it. That’s football and we prepare for our next game,” said Mr. Colina.

Adding, “We’re still on top of the table despite the result.”

After two matches to date, Kaya (1-1-0) leads its grouping with four points, followed by Tampines (1-1-0) also with four points.

Third-running is PSM Makassar (1-0-1) with three points and Shan United FC of Myanmar (0-0-2) with no points to show for so far.

Kaya’s victory came at the expense of Shan United, 2-0, in Yangon on Feb. 12, with Jovin Bedic and Eric Giganto providing the goals.

In the AFC Cup, leader on the board after group play books a spot in the zonal semifinals.

Doncic’s triple-double powers Mavericks past Spurs, 109-103

ALAMO CITY — Luka Doncic scored 26 points, distributed 14 assists and took 10 rebounds as the visiting Dallas Mavericks made the plays needed in the final three minutes to hold off the San Antonio Spurs 109-103 on Wednesday in the Alamo City.

The Mavericks led by 10 points at the half and by 11 after three before San Antonio rallied in the final period. The game was tied at 96 on a Lonnie Walker IV 3-pointer with 4:01 to play before Dallas got a three-point play and a 3-pointer by Porzingis and a 3-pointer from Seth Curry to move back in front for good at 105-96.

Kristaps Porzingis led Dallas with 28 points and 12 rebounds. Tim Hardaway Jr. added 17 points and Dorian Finney-Smith hit for 14 for the Mavericks.

DeMar DeRozan led San Antonio with 27 points, with Marco Belinelli scoring 14 points and Walker IV and Bryn Forbes and 12 and 10 points, respectively. The Spurs have lost two straight and seven of their past nine games.

The game was the first at home for the Spurs since Feb. 1 and came after San Antonio went 2-6 on its annual Rodeo Road Trip. San Antonio forward LaMarcus Aldridge missed the contest due to right shoulder soreness on his own bobblehead night.

The Mavericks set the pace early on, driving to as much as a 19-point lead early in the second quarter before settling for a 59-49 advantage at halftime.

Porzingis paced Dallas with 16 points and Hardaway added 10, the final of which came on a buzzer-beating 3-pointer at the end of the second quarter.

DeRozan led San Antonio with 15 points in the first half but also was assessed a technical foul for arguing a non-foul call late in the second.

The Mavericks could not shake San Antonio in the third quarter despite 12 points and four assists in the period from Doncic. Dallas led 88-77 heading into the final quarter.

San Antonio fashioned a 13-1 run to start the fourth quarter to jump in front at 90-89. Dorian Finney-Smith’s 3-pointer at the 5:32 mark of the final period was Dallas’ first field goal of the quarter and pushed the Mavericks back to the lead. — Reuters

Standard Insurance-Navy dominates Ronda Stage 5

ANTIPOLO CITY — Standard Insurance-Navy struck like a lightning and dominated Stage Five where six of its riders headed by George Oconer checked in at the finish together to seize the lead in almost all the categories possible in the LBC Ronda Pilipinas 10th anniversary race yesterday.

John Mark Camingao topped the 122.6km stage that started in Lucena City and ended in front of the capitol followed by 2018 Ronda king Ronald Oranza and many-time King of the Mountain Junrey Navarra.

El Joshua Carino, Ronald Lomotos and George Oconer were also in that group that clocked three hours, 12 minutes and 50 seconds in this 10-stage race presented by LBC and supported by the Manny V. Pangilinan Sports Foundation.

Jan Paul Morales, the 2016 and 2017 winner, was originally part of that lead pack but decided to move back to the peloton of this race backed by Versa, 8A Performance, Print2Go, Petron, Green Planet, Bike Xtreme, Standard Insurance, Spyder, CCN, Lightwater, Prolite, Guerciotti, Black Mamba, Boy Kanin, Vitamin Boost, NLEX-SCTEX, Maynilad, 3Q Sports Event Management Inc., LBC Foundation and PhilCycling.

The spectacular effort catapulted Oconer from second in the general individual classification race to first with an aggregate time of 17:54:13.

And Oconer is expected to go all out to protect the red LBC jersey he will wear when the race resumes tomorrow with the 111.9km Stage Six that will start at the capitol and end at the Tarlac Recreational Park in San Jose.

It also sent Oranza, Lomotos, Camingao, Navarra and Carino to second to sixth spots in 17:55:28, 17:55:31, 17:56:06, 17:56:30 and 17:58:04, respectively, while shoving 17:59:27.

7Eleven Cliqq-Air21 by Roadbike Philippines’ Rustom Lim was at No. 8 in 17:59:33 while Go for Gold’s Jonel Carcueva and Ismael Grospe, Jr. rounded out the top 10 in 17:59:41 and 18:00:01.

Standard also put a big separation from the rest of the field in the team race with a total clocking of 71:36:57, or 23.40 minutes ahead of Go for Gold, which jumped from fourth to second in 72:00:37.

Bicycology-Army stayed at third in 72:02:16 while 7Eleven sputtered from second to fourth in 71:05:52.

Morales also led in the CCN sprint race while Carino the Versa KOM.

Untouchable

To argue that Jayson Tatum is finally learning how to play to potential would be to understate his production as an offshoot of circumstance. He was certainly a valued commodity heading into the 2017 National Basketball Association draft, with the Celtics bent on claiming him with their pick. They could have chosen anybody, but, their eyes already set on him, instead dealt their first overall slot to the Sixers for the third and a future asset. The deal spoke to both their astuteness and their belief in his capacity to help the cause.

True enough, Tatum would emerge as a vital cog through his rookie season. His opportunities rose following the opening-day injury to All-Star acquisition Gordon Hayward, and his star shone brightest in the grandest stage: He nearly led the Celtics past the Cavaliers in the East Finals. Indeed, the seven-game series highlighted his potential as a foundational presence while staying within the confines of head coach Brad Stevens’ egalitarian predilections. Unfortunately, he regressed as a sophomore, forced to make the most out of limited usage in a system often short-circuited by top dog Kyrie Irving’s ball-dominant ways.

Heading into the Celtics’ 2019–20 campaign, however, not a few pundits expressed confidence Tatum would again show progress. And with Irving gone and more-grounded Kemba Walker only too glad to provide the right type of guidance, they have been proven right; he has been putting up numbers justifying his status as an All-Star, and cementing his place as a franchise cornerstone. Once the subject of speculation as the centerpiece of a move to acquire Anthony Davis, he is now a certified untouchable on whose shoulders the future of the green and white lies.

These days, Tatum is a lock to show sterling stat lines. He has normed 31.3 points since the calendar turned to February, and his immediate past performances suggest the figure will keep rising. Not coincidentally, the Celtics have gone eight and two for the period. Needless to say, he’s doing many things better — in particular chucking long twos, which he hitherto seemed to favor, for more efficient threes or drives to the hoop. The result: better percentages, more free throws, even more chances for teammates.

In short, Tatum deserves all the praise he’s getting in recent memory. As LeBron James noted in an Instagram post after he torched the Lakers for 41 points, he has become an “ABSOLUTE PROBLEM!! Keep going #YoungKing.” For him to truly make the leap, though, he needs to be more than just an element of causation. And once he becomes the very trigger, the Celtics should see their fortunes rise accordingly.

 

Anthony L. Cuaycong has been writing Courtside since BusinessWorld introduced a Sports section in 1994. He is a consultant on strategic planning, operations and Human Resources management, corporate communications, and business development.

Airport immigration revamped after bribery scheme

THE Bureau of Immigration has revamped workers at Terminals 1 to 3 of the international airport in Manila after the Senate uncovered a bribery scheme involving Chinese workers in local offshore gaming companies.

The bureau revamped its Port Operations Division deputies, terminal heads down to counter personnel upon the order of President Rodrigo R. Duterte, Immigration Commissioner Jaime H. Morente said in a statement on Thursday.

The reshuffle does not cover the division chief, whose fate will be decided by the Justice department, he said.

The changes in management responsibilities and section assignments at the Manila airport came after the “recent resurgence of unauthorized activities and irregularities” there, Mr. Morente said.

“These irregularities and their consequences impact on morale and detract from the professionalism and service that the men and women of the Bureau of Immigration are pledged to provide,” he added.

The agency relieved 19 officials and employees allegedly involved in a bribery scheme that allowed the illegal entry of Chinese nationals who end up working in offshore gaming companies here.

Mr. Morente said the Immigration workers’ privileges had been canceled. Sanctions will be imposed based on court findings, he added.

Senator Risa N. Hontiveros-Baraquel earlier showed a video of incoming Chinese nationals being escorted to an office at the international airport in Manila.

She also showed screenshots of Viber messages among Immigration officers discussing the bribery scheme, as well as a worksheet containing the P10,000 paid by each of the tourists.

An immigration officer earlier told a Senate committee some blacklisted foreigners had been granted entry for as much as P200,000.

The bureau earlier asked the Justice department and National Bureau of Investigation to probe corrupt practices at the airport, including human trafficking and escort services.

Immigration officials who attended Monday’s hearing denied knowledge of the scheme, prompting Ms. Baraquel to say that they were either complicit or negligent.

The Senate body was tackling the illegal entry of Chinese nationals who end up working in offshore gaming companies in the Philippines.

Some female workers had also been allegedly trafficked and forced to work as sex slaves.

Ms. Baraquel had told reporters it was unlikely that Immigration officials were ignorant of the illegal scheme. She said the government must order a crackdown against unscrupulous Immigration officials involved in the anomaly. — Vann Marlo M. Villegas

Cabinet members doubt wisdom of ending VFA — senator

SOME Cabinet members have expressed reservations about President Rodrigo R. Duterte’s decision to end a military agreement with the US on the deployment of troops for war games, a senator said yesterday.

The Cabinet members were not really against but were rather apprehensive about the presidential fiat, Senator Panfilo M. Lacson told reporters at a briefing.

“Many of them are afraid of the President,” he said, adding that his appointees did not know how to disagree without offending him.

Mr. Lacson said he had informally spoken with the Cabinet secretaries whom he did not identify.

The Philippines on Feb. 11 formally notified the US about its decision to end the two-decade-old visiting forces agreement (VFA). It will take effect after three months.

Mr. Duterte had threatened to end the pact after the US visa of Senator Ronald M. de la Rosa, his former police chief, was canceled.

Mr. Duterte’s decision could complicate US military interests in the broader Asia-Pacific region as China’s ambitions rise.

Some Filipino senators have sought to block the move, arguing Mr. Duterte had no right to unilaterally scrap international pacts the country’s Senate had ratified.

The VFA is important to the overall US-Philippine alliance and sets out rules for US soldiers operating in the Philippines, a former US colony.

Washington has called the relationship “ironclad,” despite Mr. Duterte’s complaints that include allegations of US hypocrisy and ill treatment.

Ending the VFA complicates Washington’s efforts to maintain an Asia-Pacific troop presence amid friction over the presence of US personnel in Japan and South Korea and security concerns about China and North Korea.

Some lawmakers in the Philippines are concerned that without the VFA, two other pacts that make up the long-standing US alliance with Manila would be irrelevant, namely the 2014 Enhanced Defense Cooperation Agreement made under the Obama administration, and a 1951 Mutual Defence Treaty.

Salvador S. Panelo, Mr. Duterte’s spokesman, has called the VFA a one-sided deal that only benefits the US.

Mr. Lacson said the government had put a lot of things at risk, noting that the US had been providing aid and assistance to the Philippines.

The Philippines has received about $1.3 billion in aid from the US since 1998, he said.

Mr. Lacson said 52% of the United States’ military assistance in the Asia-Pacific region goes to the Philippines. — Vann Marlo M. Villegas

House Speaker cites plot to remove him

SPEAKER Alan Peter S. Cayetano on Thursday said he had received verified information about an attempt to oust him.

About 20 congressmen claimed to have been offered committee chairmanships in exchange for their vote in a coup, he said.

“There were budget and chairmanship promises,” Mr. Cayetano said when asked if he believed rumors that Marinduque Rep. Lord Allan Jay Q. Velasco was behind the ouster plot. He added that Mr. Velasco had directly talked to some congressmen.

Mr. Velasco denied the allegations. “These reports are far from the truth,” he said in a statement, adding that the allegations were meant to divide the House of Representatives.

“Up to this day, I continue to honor the term-sharing agreement brokered by no less than President Rodrigo R. Duterte when the 18th Congress convened in July 2019,” he said.

“From the beginning, I never had any intention of reneging on this agreement,” he said. “I am a man with a word of honor,” he said in Filipino.

Salvador S. Panelo, Mr. Duterte’s spokesman, told a briefing the president had not complained about Mr. Cayetano’s performance as speaker. — Genshen L. Espedido

Bacolod mayor bans ships from China as cargo vessel from Xiamen seeks disembarkation permit for crew

THE MAYOR of Bacolod has issued an order banning all ships from China and its special administrative regions, Hong Kong and Macau, from docking at any of the city’s ports amid the COVID-19 threat. Executive Order 11-2020, released on Thursday, was signed by Mayor Evelio R. Leonardia on February 26 after meeting with local, health, quarantine, and Philippine Coast Guard (PCG) officials to discuss the arrival of M/V Unicorn Bravo, a cargo vessel from Xiamen, China, off the waters of the city. The ship’s captain asked the PCG to allow the 19 crew members to disembark at the Bredco Port. The mayor cited in his order the World Health Organization’s declaration of the new coronavirus disease as a “public health emergency” as well the Philippine government’s current travel ban to and from China and its special regions. “(I)t is the intention of the City Government of Bacolod to assume the position of taking major preventive measures to protect its citizens from possible exposure to carriers or sources of COVID-19,” reads the order. Earlier this month, the Bureau of Quarantine has exempted all cargo ships from the required 14-day quarantine imposed on all vessels from China, Hong Kong, and Macau. The exemption covers the shipments for offloading and not crew members.

Calabarzon placed under state of calamity due to restive Taal Volcano

A fisherman catches fish as the Taal Volcano continuously erupts in Talisay. — REUTERS

THE ENTIRE region of Calabarzon — composed of the provinces of Cavite, Laguna, Batangas, Rizal, and Quezon — has been placed under a state of calamity following destruction from tremors and ashfall from the still restive Taal Volcano. President Rodrigo R. Duterte made the declaration through Proclamation No. 906 signed on February 21 and released on the 27th. The declaration paves the way for the release of emergency funds to the region. “The declaration of State of Calamity will haste the rescue, relief, and rehabilitation efforts of the government and the private sector, including any international humanitarian assistance, and will effectively control the prices of basic goods and commodities for the affected areas,” the proclamation said. Data from the national disaster management council as of Feb. 25. show a total of 151,827 families composed of over 580,000 individuals have been affected, mostly in Calabarzon, particularly in Batangas where the volcano is located. Residents of Taal Island and nearby communities have been displaced as the area has been declared a permanent danger zone. More than 1,000 families remain in evacuation centers (ECs) while over 51,000 displaced families are being given assistance outside the ECs. — Gillian M. Cortez

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