Vol.

IV, Issue II

March 13, 2012

OFFICIAL SPORTS PUBLICATION, 2012 PALARONG BICOL, NAGA CITY, PHILIPPINES, 4400

By Irma A. De Jesus

Department of Interior and Local Government Secretary Jesse M. Robredo cited the importance of sports when he spoke to the delegates of the Palarong Bikol 2012 at the opening program held yesterday March 11, 4 p.m., Naga City Coliseum. He said that in sports, many Bicolanos are given the foundation of discipline and the lifelong experiences. Although he revealed that in a meeting held involving the Philippine Sports Commission the idea of removing Palaro came out since the country is not doing good in

Department of Interior and Local Government Secretary Jesse M. Robredo talks his keynote speech during the opening ceremonies of the 2012 Palarong Bicol.

internationalcompetitions, Robredo expressed

his belief that with Palaro, many Bicolanos including his swimmer-

daughter Jillian G. Robredo who brings honor to the family have learned discipline. He told the athletes that the Palarong Bicols choosing from among them to represent the region in the Palarong Pambansa may soon be forgotten by many but they, who will be chosen will always remember the experience of being the representatives of the school, the division and the region. He concluded by encouraging them that in the national level, regardless of what division they come from, they should work as one for Bicol.

Photo by: Jose V. Collera

For this years Bicol Palaro, let this be the guiding principle: Ability may get you to the top, but it takes character to keep you there.(John Wooden)
- Emma I. Cornejo Naga City DepEd Schools Division Superintendent

By: Marites D. Reforsardo

One Thousand and eighty second year students of Camarines Sur National High School, with manyhued sunflower props, flaunted the Naga City Coliseum grounds and performed an allapplauded, vibrant mass demonstration mesmerizing around 8,000 delegates of 13 divisions. A deafening sound

clattered as they demonstrated synergy of discipline in all routines. Overjoyed with the upshot, DepEd Regional Director Orfelina O. Tuy signaled to CSNHS Principal Nely SB. Abad to replicate the remarkable FANtasy exhibition to be performed by Region V delegates in the opening of Palarong Pambansa

in Lingayen, Pangasinan. Jobert Narvadez conceived this picturesque maneuver. The other trainers namely: Jennifer Abarrientos, Pearl Gaor, Pascual Sumangid, Ramon Barreda, Joseph Condeno, and Benigna Valle, assisted in the 2-week sweltering practice and preparation. Its magnificent! exPhoto by: Jose V. Collera claimed Jocelyn P. Castelo of Marcial O. Raola Memorial School (MORMS) of Albay Division in one of the
interviews in March 11 opening.

By Honesto M. Pesimo Jr.

Albay province hopes to be the champion of this years grandest Bikol sports event, the Palarong Bicol 2012 on March 12-16 here in Naga City. The 2011 Palaro champion, Albay looks forward to duplicate its feat by amassing gold medals in athletics, gymnastics and ball games. According to technical staff of the Albay Division Lito Orbase,

athletes were trained for a month and were given financial support by the government of Albay. Flor Lositao, Libon Elementary School teacher-coach, also expects to win in softball in elementary girls. Her team is the defending champion. When ask ed what team would be the Albays rival in the overall championship, Jonas Jovellanos, Albay coach said, Camarines Norte or Camarines Sur.

News
EVENT
ARCHERY ARNIS

CATEGORY Secondary Elementary Secondary

VENUE Naga City Science High School ALDP Mall Activity Center (Pure Gold) ALDP Mall Activity Center (Pure Gold) Metro Naga Sports Complex, Pacol, Naga City Metro Naga Sports Complex, Pacol, Naga City Naga City Gymnasium Naga City Gymnasium Baseball Field, Metro Naga Sports Complex, Pacol, Naga City Baseball Field, Metro Naga Sports Complex, Pacol, Naga City Naga City Gymnasium (PLAN A) STI Naga Covered Court (PLAN B) Metro Naga Sports Complex, Pacol, Naga City (PLAN A) STI Naga Covered Court (PLAN B) SM City Naga Activity Center SM City Naga Activity Center STI Naga Campus STI Naga Campus Metro Naga Sports Complex, Pacol, Naga City (PLAN A) Holy Rosary Minor Seminary (PLAN B) Metro Naga Sports Complex, Pacol, Naga City (PLAN A) Ateneo De Naga University Main Campus (PLAN B) Peoples Hall, City Hall Compound Peoples Hall, City Hall Compound Metro Naga Sports Complex, Pacol, Naga City Metro Naga Sports Complex, Pacol, Naga City Softball Field, Metro Naga Sports Complex, Pacol, Naga City Softball Field, Metro Naga Sports Complex, Pacol, Naga City Metro Naga Sports Complex, Pacol, Naga City Metro Naga Sports Complex, Pacol, Naga City University of Nueva Caceres University of Nueva Caceres LCC Mall LCC Mall Metro Naga Sports Complex, Pacol, Naga City Naga City Civic Center Universidad de Sta. Isabel Covered Court (PLAN A) Holy Rosary Minor Seminary (PLAN B) Metro Naga Sports Complex, Pacol, Naga City (PLAN A) Don Bosco /Holy Rosary Minor Seminary (PLAN B)

Where sepak takraw originated from remains a matter of intense debate in Southeast Asia, as several countries proudly claim it as their own. While this may never be satisfactorily determined, there is some agreement that the game was introduced to Southeast Asia through commercial contact with China, where an ancient form of the game originated. It is believed that many variations of the game evolved from an ancient Chinese military exercise, where soldiers would try to keep a feathered shuttlecock airborne by kicking it back and forth between two people. As the sport developed, the animal hide and chicken feathers were eventually replaced by balls made of woven strips of rattan. The first versions of sepak takraw were not so much of a competition, but rather cooperative displays of skill designed to exercise the body, improve dexterity and loosen the limbs after long periods of sitting, standing or working. The modern version of sepak takraw is fiercely competitive and began taking shape in Thailand almost 200 years ago. In 1829, the Siam Sports Association drafted the first rules for the game. Four years later, the association introduced the volleyball-style net and held the first public contest. Within just a few years, sepak takraw was introduced to the Physical Training curriculum in schools. In Bangkok, the murals at Wat Phra Kaew (the Temple of the Emerald Buddha) depict the Hindu god Hanuman playing sepak takraw in a ring with a troop of fellow monkeys. Other historical accounts also mention the game earlier during the reign of King Naresuan of

Ayutthaya. The game became such a cherished local custom that an exhibition of volleyball-style sepak takraw was staged to celebrate the kingdom's first constitution in 1933, the year after Thailand abolished absolute monarchy. Nowadays, sepak takraw is played on a modified badminton doubles court, with the net standing five feet above the ground. Each team consists of three players; left inside, right inside and back server. Going Global: Standardising the Rules Almost every nation that played this game knew it by a different name. In Malaysia, Singapore and Brunei, it's called 'sepak raga', whereas in Thailand it's commonly known as 'takraw'. The same game goes by the name of 'sipa' in the Philippines, 'da cau' in Vietnam, 'rago' in Indonesia, and 'kator' in Laos. Since sepak takraw was played and enjoyed in several countries, there were a lot of inconsistencies in terms of how the game was played and judged. In 1960, representatives from Malaysia, Singapore, Indonesia, Lao and Thailand met in Kuala Lumpur to standardize rules and regulations for the game. And after a long and heated debate, consensus was reached that the sport would henceforth be officially called sepak takraw. They also formed the Asian Sepak Takraw Federation (ASTAF), and translated the rules into English, setting the stage for the first international competition, held in Malaysia in 1965, at the Southeast Asian Peninsular Games, or SEAP Games, the predecessor to today's Southeast Asian Games

(SEA Games). This chain of events set the stage for the international development of sepak takraw. However, it was the replacement of the natural rattan ball, which tended to splinter and warp, with the more standardized synthetic plastic ball that really kicked the game's popularity into high gear. In 1990, sepak takraw was included at the Asian Games in Beijing. Women also got in on the action with the first women's championships in Thailand hosted in 1997. Today, more than 20 countries have national sepak takraw associations with representatives on the board of the global governing body, the International Sepak Takraw Federation (ISTAF). On Its Way to Olympic Status Sepak takraw is one of the fastest growing sports in Asia, as well as many other parts of the world. The gravity-defying kicks, contorted aerial twists, turns of the body and the blinding speed of play astound spectators worldwide. For most of the past decade, Thailand has dominated international competitions, winning nearly every major event. Malaysia turned the tide at the 2005 Manila SEA Games. Thailand and Malaysia will remain the teams to beat for the foreseeable future, but other sepak takraw powerhouses such as Myanmar, South Korea, Singapore and Vietnam are closing in quickly. Asian nations are currently lobbying to give the game Olympic Games, so as to attract wider audiences overseas and to give Asia
a much-needed boost in the medals table - and it's only a matter of time before the region's beloved pastime takes its rightful place among other sports at the Olympic Games.

ATHLETICS

Elementary Secondary

BADMINTON BASEBALL

Elementary Secondary Elementary Secondary

BASKETBALL

Elementary Secondary

BOXING CHESS FOOTBALL

Elementary Secondary Elementary Secondary Elementary

Secondary

GYMNASTICS SEPAK TAKRAW

Elementary Secondary Elementary Secondary

SOFTBALL

Elementary Secondary

SWIMMING

Elementary Secondary

TABLE TENNIS TAEKWONDO TENNIS

Elementary Secondary Elementary Secondary Elementary Secondary Elementary

VOLLEYBALL

Secondary

Please send articles (any genre/form, any medium: Bikol, Tagalog, or English). Contact persons:

Salve Selga Elvie Evangelista Honesto Pesimo Jr.

Media Center, Palarong Bicol 2012, Plaza Quezon, Naga City.

EDITORIAL
Sports Stakeholders: See You in Catanduanes in 2013
We are ready! Trifold leadership in hosting a Regional Palaro strongly signifies sports stakeholdership. The initial move of the Province of Catanduanes, an island province situated in the eastern coast of Bicol Peninsula needs some backing up. The Chief Executive of the Province of Catanduanes, Hon. Joseph Cua and the District Congressional Representative, Hon. Cesar Sarmiento expressed their intention of hosting the 2013 Bicol Palaro in an interview by the Sports Gazette during the Solidarity Meeting of the Palaro at Naga City Coliseum. In affirmation to this desire, their delegation banner also inscribed, See you in Catanduanes next year. Dr. Socorro de la Rosa, the DepED Schools Division Superintendent of said Province also expressed their goal during the Congressmans Night, adding that there was no opposition. This is stakeholdership in action. The kind of stakeholdership determines the quality of outcomes. While Wikipedia defines leadership as a process of social influence in which one person can enlist the aid and support of others in the accomplishment of a common task", the academe explains stakeholdership that it includes owning of the entire project, program, or process; where the stakeholders themselves become accountable for its outcome. As shown in the Lighting of the urn during the Opening rites, at least four stakeholders were represented, the athletes, the coaches, parents, LGU & DepED. There could be more the business sector, other sports enthusiasts, etc. The collective effort of these institutions will spell out the kind of citizens we want to have. As the Hon. DILG Secretary Jesse M. Robredo emphasized, when we conduct Sports Competition, it is not always intended to join the Olympics or other international competitions, rather, to develop discipline among our constituents. Nagtutubod kita na parti ini can pundasyon can paggibo nin mga ciudadadong Filipino na may disiplina na maging tama an lawas asin magamit ini sa karahayan One year is set to come. One year to prepare. Catanduanes delegation may win, lose, or regain their record holders, what matters most is to look forward to joining them in their effort to showcase their sports stakeholdership in action.

By Honesto M. Pesimo Jr.

Salvacion B. Selga
Chairperson

Elvie B. Evangelista Baby Ruby F. Laurente Rowena Tabilog Neil Manaog Marites D. Reforsado Pipo Evangelista Eugene J. Agor

Honesto M. Pesimo Jr. Ruby Bausas Leizel Manondo Sylvia Serrado Edna San Jose Irma A. de Jesus

Staff Editors

Christian Evangelista
Cartoonist

Julius D. Bulahan
Lay-out Artist

Palarong Bicol, also known as Bicol Meet, is one of the few sport grass root spectacles that hone the talent and skill of the Bikolano elementary and high school students for the Palarong Pambansa. Other sport events are District Meet and City or Municipal Meet. Luckily, Palarong Bicol is an annual program of the Department of Education to produc e prom is ing young athletes in the different sport disciplines. Thanks to Director Orfelina Tuy and Assistant Director Diosdado M. San Antonio of the Department of Education, Region V and Superintendent Emma I. Imperial and Assistant Superintendent Loida N. Nidea of the Naga City Division who brought the 2012 Palarong Bicol to Naga City. The city

becomes the venue for such a noble program. Unluckily, in the past years, the production fell short when these athletes competed in the Palarong Pambansa. The Bikolano athletes were always a kick away, a splash away, a stride away, a move away from receiving a gold medal on the victory stand. When was the last time that Bikol region had the chance to become the overall champion? Last year, Bikol was number 6. Always, the National Capital Region or Manila, or the Central Visayas or Cebu would emerge as the champion. We would say that we prepared a lot, that we spent this or that much but what is the result? A mediocre performance. We suffer from the agony of defeat. To improve such a dismal showing, there is a need for us to soar high, as the Naga City Mayor John G. Bongat, would always reiterate in his speech. The Naga City government has put a lot of logistics and financial support in this kind of game. The young mayor

has a continuous sport program that does not only begin at the staging of the City Meet and ends after the Palarong Pambansa but a yearround endeavour to produce excellent athletes that are ready to compete and win internationally. We do not have to mention, the financial incentives that are offered to those who will win in the City Meet beginning this July. We know that other LGUs have been doing the same. Soaring high is not only the job of the LGUs and the DepEd but also the concern of the athletes who like to be victorious in their chosen sport. They should have the determination and discipline to win and to bring honor to the place they call home. Soaring high will entail a lot of cooperation and a strong sense of excellence of the athletes, parents, sports enthusiasts and benefactors, the DepEd and the Local Government Units. If all of these forces unite, winning will always be at hand, whether in sports or in life.

Photo essay

FLEX YOUR MUSCLES. The Regional DepED Fun Walk/Run becomes the first initial activity of the Palarong Bicol. More than 2000 participants, young and old, flex their muscles, walk, run and enjoy the beauty and grandiose that is Naga. Assistant Regional Director Diosdado M. San Antonio leads the sport activity.

LRVs NEW ANGELS. Camarines Sur Second District Congressman Luis R. Villafuerte (center, in white polo) pose with DepEd and Palaro officials and guests during the Congressmans Night held at San Bernadino, Calabanga, Camarines Sur. The Congressman treated his guests with sumptuous food, music, dance, laughter and friendship.

TOO MANY HEADS, TOO MANY IDEAS. Special Regional MANCOM of DepED officials is held just before the Congressmans Night at San Bernardino, Calabanga Camarines Sur. The staging of 2012 Palarong Bicol and the upcoming Palarong Pambansa are among the agenda that are discussed.

UNFURLED FLAGS TOWARD VICTORY. The flags of the different Divisions are swayed by the afternoon wind at the start of the 2012 Palarong Bicol on March 11. 13 divisions with estimated 8,000 delegates parade around the city to join other Palaro guests in the formal opening of the Bicol sports spectacle.

PRAYERFUL MOMENT. With head held low, DepEd Regional Director Orfelina O. Tuy (front, fifth from left), together with other DepED officials, fervently prays at the opening program of the 2012 Palarong Bicol. ENTICING CATANDUANES. Delegates of the Catanduanes Division entices and invites onlookers to join them in the 2013 Palarong Bicol that will be held in the Province of Catanduanes.