Aspiring Champions gain a step closer to their dreams with JR.NBA / JR.WNBA presented by Alaska

400 young girls and boys showcased their basketball skills during the Jr. NBA/Jr. WNBA presented by Alaska in Iloilo last March 15 & 16.

6 boys and 3 girls were the top pick to join the National Training Camp in Manila on April.

6 boys and 3 girls were the top pick to join the National Training Camp in Manila on April.

PRESS RELEASE

The Food and Nutrition Research Institute (FNRI) study revealed that obesity, which can lead to serious heart problems and diabetes at a young age is becoming one of the most prevalent nutritional problems of Filipino children and adults.

Given these growing issues on health, Alaska continues their partnership with Jr. NBA this year to nurture young boys, and girls, become better individuals and encourage them to embrace a healthy lifestyle not just by drinking milk but also by leading an active lifestyle through sports.

The 2014 Jr.NBA presented by Alaska, the international youth development program of the NBA, formally launched last January 18. School clinics were conducted allowing aspiring champions in the country to be part of NBA’s international youth development program. Young girls were given the same trainings and opportunities as Jr. NBA participants because in these modern times, girls are just as interested in sports, especially basketball, as the boys.  Led by some of the best local basketball coaches, like Jojo Lastimosa, PBA legend and Alaska Head of Basketball Operations,  together with the NBA coaches led by Sefu Bernard in travelling all over the country to conduct school clinics for coaches and players.

Our aspiring champions will again undergo series of trainings at the Regional Selection Camp (RSC) in Surigao, Iloilo, Cebu, Dagupan, Palawan and Manila. The RSC is where the best of the best players in key cities will be selected and asked to participate in the third and climactic part of the program – the National Training Camp (NTC).

The 10 young boys and 5 young girls of Jr. NBA/Jr. WNBA presented by Alaska All-Star Philippine Team will be chosen at the end of the NTC. These young champions will then be given the ultimate NBA experience by getting the chance to watch a live NBA game and meet the NBA players. Last year, the Jr. NBA All-Star Philippine team watched a Los Angeles Lakers home game against the Memphis Grizzlies at the Staples Center and met NBA superstar Kobe Bryant.

The Jr. NBA/ Jr. WNBA presented by Alaska, is just one of Alaska’s Sports Development Program that inspires children to become future champions through teaching them skills to play the game while incorporating the values of determination, hard work, teamwork, discipline and sportsmanship.

Become a champion too and join Alaska’s sports programs now!

Come out and play!

NUTRITION.ACTION.CHAMPION.

For more information on Jr. NBA Philippines visit www.jrnba.asia/philippines; Alaska Basketball Power Camp visit: www.alaskapowercamp.com/basketball and for live Twitter updates, follow: @ALASKAsportshub.

Nurture Run on April 14!

Nurture Run
April 13, 2014
Quezon Memorial Circle
3km / 5km (Php 450)
Assembly Time: 5:30AM
Online Registration - visit http://www.nurturerun.com/ or
www.beautybrainsandbreastfeeding.com

PRESS RELEASE

#LetsBeReal, Filipina Mothers

We’ve all been told that breastfeeding’s best for babies; but why are less than half of Filipina mothers opting for exclusive breastfeeding?

Reality bites, and in fact, recent figures released by the Food and Nutrition Research Institute (FNRI-DOST) say that breastfeeding rates are at 47 percent and more alarmingly, there are actually areas in the country that have breastfeeding rates of only 27 percent. That’s 7 out of 10 mothers who opt for infant formulas and other artificial milk substitutes.

Beauty, Brains and Breastfeeding together with UNICEF are looking to shift this mindset. “Filipina mothers aren’t keeping it real and we want to help change that,” says Iza Abeja, Executive Director of Beauty, Brains & Breastfeeding.


Nurture Run
In keeping with the thrust to promote, support and protect the rights of the breastfeeding mother and child, BBB is organizing the Nurture Run, one of the biggest breastfeeding awareness initiatives in the country to date. More than 10,000 runners and breastfeeding advocates are expected to join Nurture Run.

Iza also shares that proceeds of the Nurture Run will go to mobilizing skilled counselors, sustaining mommy groups and organizing breastfeeding awareness activities as well as supporting Milk Banks through Milk Letting Days.

“All these initiatives will be carried out in strategic areas in the country specifically in disaster prone provinces,” notes Iza. “As the recent disasters in Tacloban, Bohol and Zamboanga have taught us, breastmilk can save lives.”

The Nurture Run is set on April 13, 2014 Sunday from 5:30 am to 10:00 am at the Quezon Memorial Circle.  It covers 3km and 5km options with race kits costing PHP 450.00 inclusive of the race bib and Nurture Run shirt. The event is co-presented by UNICEF, International Labour Organization (ILO), National Nutrition Cluster group for Haiyan/Yolanda and Department of Health (DOH) in coordination with venue-host the Quezon City Government.

“Our children deserve the most genuine form of care and nutrition they can get. Support breastfeeding and help us spread the word by joining the ‘Nurture Run.’”


About UNICEF
UNICEF is an agency of the United Nations devoted to serving the world’s children. UNICEF began providing assistance to the Philippines in November 1948. Since then, they have been partners with the Philippine government in protecting Filipino children.

UNICEF Philippines has more than 60 people working to promote and protect the rights of children. They aim to provide the best quality of life for every Filipino child through programmes that help them survive and flourish.

About Beauty, Brains and Breastfeeding
Beauty, Brains & Breastfeeding was established and registered at SEC in 2006. It aims to bring back the breastfeeding culture in the country and elevate the stature of breastfeeding and eradicate the misconception that breastfeeding is only for those who can’t afford formula milk.

In recent years, BBB has not only participated in the promotion of breastfeeding. We have also taken part giving support to mothers. Providing free breastfeeding counseling at evacuation areas and informal settlers vulnerable of displacements in times of calamities BBB is also an active lobbyist when it comes to the protection and implementation of legislations promoting breastfeeding.

For updates and more information:
Like us on www.facebook.com/beautybrainsandbreastfeeding
Follow us on www.twitter.com/womenbreastfeed
Visit us at www.beautybrainsandbreastfeeding.com and www.nurturerun.com

NATGEORUN 2014 on April 27!

PRESS RELEASE

NATIONAL GEOGRAPHIC CHANNEL RUNS STRONG WITH EARTH DAY RUN YEAR 5!

On April 27, 2014, National Geographic Channel (NGC) renews its commitment to the environment by celebrating this year’s Earth Day (which falls on April 22 globally) with another round of its wildly successful Earth Day Run. Now on its fifth year, Earth Day Run is expected to attract 12,000 running enthusiasts of all ages and fitness levels to participate for the good of the environment.

Earth Day Run has consistently been besting its record for number of participants, with last year’s expected number of 10,000 runners demolished by an actual registered 12,000 participants. NGC hopes to replicate that success for Earth Day Run 2014 by registering 12,000 runners in the 3K, 5K, 10K and 21K categories, including a new fifth category of 42K designed to draw the most physically fit and expert runners in the country. The event itself is considered one of the biggest runs in the Philippines.

This year, NGC is working once again with its environmental partner, World Wide Fund for Nature (WWF), to make a solid difference in the Philippines’ environmental footprint and give sustainable livelihood opportunities for local communities. Last year, the two organizations used proceeds of the Earth Day Run to plant P1 million worth of fruit-bearing trees in the Abuan watershed in Isabela, in the Sierra Madre region. Besides partial reforestation of this important resource, local farmers were given the privilege to own and care for the trees as well as harvest their fruits for their income. In 2014, NGC promises to raise money  for WWF’s Bancas For The Philippines project, which aims to train fishermen affected by Typhoon Haiyan (Yolanda) last November 2013 in the making and use of fiberglass boats for artisanal fishing. These boats are designed to withstand the onslaught of typhoons to ensure that the fishermen can continue with their livelihood in any event.

WWF’s experts will train fishermen on site and help them build the fiberglass boats while reducing the use of sawn timber and plywood, in the hopes that the communities can produce one boat per day. Many fishermen were left with no sources of income when their boats were destroyed by Haiyan, and so this project is a significant step toward the rehabilitation of communities in Palawan, which was ravaged by the typhoon last November but slow to receive relief due to the sheer number of islands in central Philippines that needed to recover from the devastation. Earth Day Run 2014 aims to help these fishermen directly with the sharing of climate-smart technology that will help them recover their livelihood, as well as decrease the fishing pressure on our seas that have been heavily exploited by commercial fishing by promoting artisanal fishing for small-scale fishermen.

Earth Day Run uses recyclable materials for its race bibs and a “Zero Paper” registration process in the form of a Centralized Registration System, which National Geographic pioneered in the country. Participants can support the Haiyan rehabilitation efforts of NGC and WWF by signing up on www.natgeorun.com or visiting the sign-up booth at the Lower Ground floor of SM Aura from March 1 to April 20. Finishers of the longer races of 21K and 42K can not only take pride in their physical victory and willingness to help Haiyan survivors and the environment, but they will also each be getting a medal and finisher’s shirt to commemorate their triumph.

Nearly four months after Typhoon Haiyan, those affected by it still need so much help, and it has become important to sustain the public’s interest in their rehabilitation. Earth Day Run 2014 invites all runners to register and do their part while enjoying the health benefits of good exercise and unity in supporting the survivors of one of the most devastating natural disasters in the country’s history.

REEBOK OPENS FIRST FITHUB SHOP IN SHOP - DESIGNED TO INSPIRE A FITNESS GENERATION

PRESS RELEASE
March 13, Makati City: Today, Reebok continues its mission to empower people to be fit for life with the launch of Philippines’ first ever Reebok FitHub Shop-in-Shop at the Royal Sporting House Store, 2nd Level Glorietta 4 Ayala Center Makati. Designed to inspire people to move, to train, to get fit and have fun doing it, the Reebok FitHub offers a new way of thinking about fitness and is the destination for those dedicated to living a fit lifestyle.

The retail store is inspired by elements found in fitness studios and CrossFit boxes around the country.  Like a gym, the environment is raw, creative and innovative with customers being immersed in fitness as soon as they enter the store.

The store will carry pinnacle product from Reebok’s latest collections specifically made for fitness and exclusive to the FitHub. This premium footwear and apparel collection features Reebok's top-of-the-line technology and materials, allowing for optimal performance and comfort.

Yoya Maglaya, Reebok Phlippines’ Sales and Marketing Manager, commented; “We’re extremely excited to have opened the first Reebok FitHub Shop-in-Shop.  The FitHub is great statement to prove Reebok’s commitment to getting people active. It will give consumers a full fitness experience like no other, inspire people to get moving and become a desirable destination for the fitness community.”

The Philippines’ first Reebok FitHub is part of an ever-expanding global network of concept stores, which includes the USA, Korea, Russia and Dubai. The growth in number of FitHubs is more than just an expanding number of stores; it represents Reebok as a brand, aiming to empower people to get fit for life and to give them the tools they need to do this. Whether it is Running, Dance, CrossFit or Yoga, Reebok aims to bring people together to experience fitness in a way that is different, challenging and rewarding.

For more information on the Reebok FitHub please visit:www.Reebok.com

About RSH
RSH Marketing (Philippines), Inc. is the exclusive distributor of Reebok in the Philippines and is a member of RSH Limited.  RSH Limited is one of Asia’s foremost sporting goods pioneer with a 28-year track record.  The Group has exclusive distribution rights to over 60 world-renowned brand names.
For more information, contact Villy Bay at 632-5704100.

About Reebok
Reebok International Ltd., headquartered in Canton, MA, USA, is a leading worldwide designer, marketer and distributor of sports, fitness and casual footwear, apparel and equipment. An American-inspired global brand, Reebok is a pioneer in the sporting goods industry with a rich and storied heritage in running, training and fitness. A subsidiary of the adidas Group, Reebok operates under the multiple divisions of the Reebok brand, Reebok-CCM Hockey and the Sports Licensed Division.  For more information, visit Reebok at www.reebok.com. Or, discover Reebok at the following locations:
http://reesha.re/plus; http://facebook.com/reebok; http://twitter.com/reebok; http://youtube.com/reebok; and http://news.reebok.com/

VASELINE MEN XTERRA OFF-ROAD TRIATHLON PHILIPPINE CHAMPIONSHIP 2014

VASELINE MEN XTERRA OFF-ROAD TRIATHLON PHILIPPINE CHAMPIONSHIP 2014

March 15, 2014

Liloan, Cebu

PRESS RELEASE

XTERRA Triathlon in Liloan, Cebu will test athletes’ skill once again this 2014.   The route will have slight changes, but this year there will be two transition areas.  Transition 1(to be announced) will be the starting area for the swim leg and transition to the start of the bike leg.  Transition 2 will be in Liloan Elementary School track oval, staging area for the end of the bike leg, start of the run leg and finish line and the expo area. 

The race will start at the shores of Liloan.  Swimmers will do a 1.5 kilometer of open water swim. For LITE participants, swimmers will do 500 meters straight, one loop course for LITE.

Our bike course is a mix of single tracks, fire roads, farmlands, grasslands and paved roads.  FULL Tri participants must complete 2 loops of the 18-kilometer bike course while LITE participants must complete one loop. The bike course caters to all types of bikers. Experts will find the course fast and exciting. While beginners will feel it’s challenging. The first portion of the race is a long flat, paved road, perfect for sprinting and securing a place in the pack. Then it’s followed by long climbs while roads change from paved to trail.  Trail becomes narrower and racers will encounter mixed vegetation along the course.

It has enough single tracks, which challenges any skill level; lots of rolling and steep hills, which test all levels of endurance; fast and quick descents to test handling skills and a few technical portions, which will excite all athletes. 

The bike course will traverse fire roads and paved roads, crossing different barangays. The terrain of the route changes dramatically from grasslands, forest, jungle terrain and open areas.

Furthermore the weather varies all throughout the bike course. Hot and sunny one minute then extreme humidity the next.

Our run course is similar to our bike course.  Trail is a combination of rolling terrain, single track, fire roads and paved roads.  Jungle terrain and grasslands will become a common site for athletes.  The Run course is as challenging as the bike course with long technical climbs, followed by dusty and rocky terrain. Participants last year mentioned the run as epic with tough climbs and fast descents.

RACE CATEGORIES AND FEES

RACE REGISTRATION SCHEDULE:
On-going until MARCH 8, 2014

RACE REGISTRATION SITES:
ONLINE: http://www.xterraphil.com
IN-STORE: ROX Bonifacio High Street and ROX Cebu

REGISTRATION REMINDERS:

1. Individual Competitors must clearly indicate upon registration which category they will compete in - Filipino Elite or Age Group.

2. Relay Entries: Teams must consist of three individuals, and please indicate clearly what each team member will do (swim, bike, or run). Mixed teams can be two (2) males and one (1) female; or two (2) females and one (1) male.

3. Ages of reckoning will be at 31 December 2014. All participants must be at least 16 years old on race day.

COURSE MAP

FULL Category

LITE Category

Alaska Iron Kids Aquathlon 2014!

Last February 9, I was invited to cover the Alaska Iron Kids Aquathlon held at The Village Sports Club in Paranaque City. The event is open to children from 6 to 14 years old that features two sporting events, swimming and running. The aquathlon event offered two categories, (1) the RACE category is for competitive kids who will complete to place and beat their personal record and (2) the PLAY category is for kids who were given a chance to experience the event without the pressure of the competition.

male aquathletes!

female aquathletes!

Kira Ellis, top finisher 6-8 yrs old category

Tara Borlain (center), top finisher 9-10 yrs old category and Samantha Borlain (rightmost), top finisher 11-12 yrs old category

Sophia Almendral, 2nd placer 11-12 yrs old category

Gabby Ong, 2nd placer 6-8 yrs old category

 I am inspired and amazed on how these kids enjoyed and finished the race. This event help kids develop the values of discipline, hardwork and determination to complete the race. This is also the perfect venue for family bonding and for parents to show great coaching and support for the kids.

Thoughts while observing/watching the aquathlon event: 

1. Safe Event - lot of marshalls/lifeguard deployed all over the event place.
2. Distances are achievable.

    6 to 8 yrs (100m swim, 1km run)

    9 to 10 yrs (200m swim, 1.5 km run)
    11 to 12 yrs (300m swim, 2km run)
    13 to 14 yrs (400m, 3km run)
3. The Village Sports Club is indeed a kid friendly venue.
4. Kids only race. Accidents is minimize since there is no older competitor.
5. Race route/information were clearly discussed before each category. Encouraging kids to ask questions about their category.
6. On time gunstart for all categories.

Race Results

The Bloggers!

 Kudos to Sunrise Events and Alaska Milk Corporation for staging this aquathlon event!
Congratulations to all participants and parents for their dedication and efforts for life-long passion for fitness and healthy lifestyle!

Photos Courtesy of Justin  Gomez

Save the Date for NatGeoRun 2014

Runners, save the date for the Natgeo Run 2014 on April 27, 2014! More details to follow soon!