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SUNDAY, APRIL 2, 2017

Business

Ray S. Eñano, Editor / Roderick dela Cruz, Issue Editor business@thestandard.com.ph

TOLEDO BECOMES 1ST FIBER-LINKED CITY IN PH

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By Darwin G. Amojelar TOLEDO City in Cebu province became the first fiber-powered city in the Philippines, where families and enterprises can enjoy worldclass internet connectivity.

PLDT Inc. teamed up with the city government of Toledo to rollout fiber-to-the-home facilities in strategic urban centers under the former’s Fibr City project.

PLDT said the FTTH roll-out would serve the data connectivity needs of Toledo, a fast-growing city with its mining industry and burgeoning tourism sector.

“Fitted with the country’s most powerful broadband, Toledo City will now have access to fiber-fast internet speeds of as much as 1 Gigabit per second,” PLDT first vice president and head of Home Business Oscar Reyes Jr. said.

“PLDT Home’s decision to pioneer its first Fibr City in Toledo is part of expansion plans in Central Philippines where we are accelerating our fiber roll-out aimed at bringing the strongest connections to more Filipinos,” Reyes said.

BROKER.

3Win Realty & Development Corp. managing director Miriam Quiambao-Roberto

BEAUTY QUEEN TURNS INTO REAL ESTATE BROKER

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ROM the glamorous pageant stage, Miriam Quiambao-Roberto is now a wife, a mother, a TV host, an inspirational speaker, entrepreneur, investor, property manager and a real estate broker. Juggling all of these roles, Quiambao still manages to learn and excel.

As the Lamudi Philippines Brokers Awards Night is coming near, more aspirants are getting hyped up to know what it really takes to be one of the best brokers in the country. For this reason, Miriam Quiambao shares the ingredients of her success to other brokers.

The 1999 Miss Universe first runner-up says above all aspects of being a real estate professional, presentation might be the most important.

Whether it is showing a home to a possible buyer or renter, or helping owners sell their properties while clinching the best deal, the job requires a great deal of persuasion and convincing. Unfortunately, this is not as easy as it sounds. Common mistakes are hard selling or being too dull as they present. The most unforgivable, however, is coming unprepared and being unprofessional in front of clients.

ARRIVE ON TIME This is a basic best practice not only in real estate dealings. According to Miriam, being early at the venue sets the tone for how the presentation goes.

As the owner of Q Estates Management and the managing director of 3Win Realty & Development Corp., Miriam is regularly attending meetings and she says that arriving ahead allows one to settle into

the venue before a presentation, avoiding having to rush and be unkempt. Arriving early also gives you the chance to prepare yourself and your visual aids if you have any.

“For brokers and in anything actually where one wants to appear as professional, I would suggest you come on time. In fact, even 15 minutes before the meeting, because that will allow you to relax a little and settle in, and not rush because you’ve found an ample parking space or the venue itself beforehand.

If you are meeting with a seller, it also allows you to prepare with them way before the buyer arrives,” she says.

PREPARATION IS KEY Whether in media or in business, preparation is a necessity. Unlike in a television or movie shoot where mistakes can be corrected, there are no retakes when making a live presentation to a client, so preparation is very important. More than arming yourself with the right words, coming confident and prepared ensures that the clients feels a professional kind of care from you and not just there to push business.

“If there are documents or need-to-know information that are required or that might come up in the meeting, you should already have acquired or researched that way before. If you’re the selling broker, you want to make sure you’ve done your due diligence, so that the person you are selling to does not experience any problems because of your lack of it,” she says.

“Always take note that your reputation is also on the line, so you want to make sure that you are showing your fellow brokers and their buyers or sellers the professionalism they deserve. For instance, you should avoid occurrences where you will present a property for sale that will turn out as a problematic property and will cause delay in the process due to

your lack of research,” Miriam says.

HOW YOU PRESENT YOURSELF “The way you carry yourself and the way you look are the first measure to your character. It can show that you are trustworthy and also reflect on the kind of work that you do. If you look disorderly, they may think that’s how you work.” Going beyond aesthetics, clients prefers to listen to a presentable speaker, and keen to do business with someone knows how to care for him- or herself,” says Miriam.

It is all in the details, says Miriam, as the presentation begins the instant you meet the person or people you are presenting to. “Always practice proper hygiene and present yourself professionally, because they will immediately see that you cared enough to be put together well for the presentation.”

“When you introduce yourself, it is important to give them a nice, firm handshake. Not too long, not too short, not too strong, not too limp but just right. Remember as well that eye contact shows confidence and that you are secure about yourself and your job,” she says.

FINISH STRONG Even if the presentation did not end in a deal, it is still vital to leave a good lasting impression.

Miriam says that business doesn’t end when the presentations are finished, and being appreciative and sending follow-ups can build relationships that all started with that initial meeting.

“It would be nice if you could send them birthday cards or Christmas cards, flowers, or a decently priced bottle of wine. Nothing too expensive, but just something they can remember you by. Those little actions will mean a lot to your clients. Apart from showing professionalism and appreciation of their time, this will likewise ensure that you will be on top of their mind in case they need to buy, sell, or rent property in the future,” she says.

PLDT first vice president and head of Home Business Oscar Reyes Jr.

For plans starting at P1,899 a month, subscribers can access compelling entertainment and gaming content from PLDT Home partners and renowned providers like iflix, Netflix, Fox+ and iWant TV at minimal subscription fees.

With a footprint of around 2.8 million homes passed as of end2016, PLDT is further expanding the reach of its FTTH network by about 80 percent to 4.4 million homes passed by the end of the year, making available the ultrafast internet connection to more Filipino families in various parts of the country.

To further extend the reach of its fiber-speed internet service, PLDT also started to deploy hybrid fiber technologies such as Huawei Technologies’ G.fast which can boost data speeds up to 600 to 700 Mbps over existing copper lines.

PLDT envisions that all of its subscribers will be in “smart homes” by end-2018 enabled by PLDT’s combined FTTH and fiber-fast services.

PLDT will thus have an unrivaled robust and cost-efficient platform for offering its growing portfolio of entertainment, “peace of mind” and other “Smart Home” services.

PLDT invested P300 billion or $6 billion over the last 10 years to roll out the country’s most extensive transmission and distribution network infrastructure which now has 150,000 kilometers of fiber optic cables that transport the growing data traffic of its fixed line and mobile networks.

GLOBAL GATEWAY CLARK ANSWER TO METRO MANILA’S CONGESTION A MODERN city is on the rise in Central Luzon to be the country’s next world-class economic hub outside Metro Manila.

The 177-hectare business center, called Global Gateway Clark, is now the top priority location for some of the biggest local and international companies scrambling for prime spots in a fully master-planned property at par with Metro Manila’s Bonifacio Global City.

Michael Russell, president of Global Gateway Development Corp., said the ultramodern city is the solution to some of Metro Manila’s economic problems such as over population, traffic and airport congestion.

Russell said Global Gateway Clark is

completely livable, disaster-ready and designed to accommodate multinational corporations like airline companies, business process outsourcing firms, healthcare industries and transportation facilities essential to a modern day city.

One of the earliest locators in Global Gateway Clark is the Medical City Hospital, bringing the best of the country’s healthcare services to Central Luzon.

Close by is the new three-hectare campus of the University of the Philippines in Clark which will accommodate more scholars.

Clark, just a one-hour drive from Metro Manila through the North Luzon E x pre ss w ay, b o a st s of wor l d - cl a ss

infrastructure such as an international airport. Philippine Airlines, the country’s flagship carrier, has started to expand its operation in Clark International Airport to fly passengers to local, and ultimately international, destinations.

PAL’s senior vice president for operations Ismael Gozon said Clark is very promising to the aviation industry. Other carriers such as Cebu Pacific and AirAsia are also launching new flights from Clark.

Airport authorities said that with less traffic, comfort and better flying experience, passengers from Northern and Central Luzon including Metro Manila will now have a better alternative.

An estimated 24 million Filipinos from Zambales, Pampanga, Bulacan and other neighboring cities and provinces stand to benefit from the additional flights.

Direct flights to Davao, Puerto Princesa, Busuanga in Palawan and some Southeast Asian destinations are already in place.

Global Gateway Clark sits at the crossroads of North Luzon Expressway and Subic Clark Tarlac Expressway and only 30 minutes away from the newly expanded Subic Bay deep-water port and is directly adjacent to Clark International Airport.

Once completed, the city will be divided into four zones: Aeropark, Business Park, Town Center and Logistics Park.

Global Gateway Development Corp. president Michael Russel

Business

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SUNDAY, APRIL 2, 2017 business@thestandard.com.ph

Amaia Skies Avenida offers spacious residences in an unbeatable location in Sta. Cruz Manila, close to commercial establishments, hospitals and educational institutions, ideal for all Filipino families.

AMAIA TURNS OVER 800 HOMES BEFORE 2016 ended, no less than 2,000 homes in various locations in the country were opened to new Amaia residents.

These homeowners happily spent the Christmas and New Year holidays in their Amaia residences after accepting the keys to their spanking-new abodes.

Sustaining the momentum, Amaia welcomes 2017 by turning over even more units to happy homeowners. In the first quarter of the year alone, almost 800 homeowners were expected to receive the keys to their brand-new Amaia properties in projects such as Amaia Skies Avenida and Amaia Skies Sta. Mesa, Amaia Scapes Urdaneta, Amaia Steps Altaraza.

This is a part of the projected 4,800 units to be turned over until the end of the year.

The speedy completion and turnover of units is part of Amaia’s commitment to provide affordable and high-quality homes to Filipino families, in the fine tradition of Ayala Land.

Nikie Lingad, Amaia Land’s project development head, said Amaia exhausted all measures to provide the best service to its Filipino customers, making them feel that their investment is worth it.

“With hardworking customers at the core of our operations, we commit the organization to standard work practices that ensure our homes are built and delivered as scheduled to their deserving owners while maintaining high standards of quality,” she said.

Apart from designing and building Amaia properties with the Filipino families’ needs in mind, Amaia also keeps clients happy by making certain that the turnover is smooth and hassle-free.

As Tricia Macawile of Amaia Land’s customer care group said, “We are overjoyed when our new homeowners are happy upon receiving their units.

Many of our clients assert that their new Amaia homes are worth the wait and their investment.”

Turnover of units is done in batches, scheduled by the Amaia Land Customer Care Group.

Amaia projects that are currently offering units for immediate occupancy are as follows: Amaia Scapes Capas, Bauan, Lucena, and North Point (Negros Occidental); Amaia Steps Novaliches, Sucat, Bicutan, Nuvali and Mandaue; Amaia Skies Cubao, Avenida and Sta. Mesa.

Prospective buyers will find it easy to own an Amaia home as Amaia Land offers flexible payment schemes: cash payment, deferred, PagIbig and bank financing.

MALE CEO EXPLAINS WOMEN’S INTIMACY ISSUES

By Othel V. Campos

A

WOMAN may have to deal with a health condition that affects not only her physical well-being but also the way she expresses her sexuality and emotional contentment.

Not a few have been afflicted with this condition which in layman’s term is known as feminine sexual dysfunction. Women who encounter these symptoms often simply ignore them, leading to more serious physical symptoms and deeper emotional and social dissatisfaction.

“This problem is there whether you talk about it or not. Somebody or something has to address that. We have a very focused approach to women’s health, which is one of our focus segments,” says Javed Ghulam Mohammad, chief executive of AJ Research & Pharma Sdn. Bhd., the distributor of feminine intimacy gel V-Sense.

AJ Research & Pharma is an innovative Malaysia-based pharmaceutical, cosmeceutical and nutraceutical company. It seeks to address unmet needs in the healthcare market, and FSD is one of those concerns that the company has identified as a top priority especially within the emerging Asean market.

Mohammad says V-sense is one of the sensational products in Europe and is “one of the most excellent products that can help women resolve intimacy issues.”

An innovative feminine intimacy product, V-sense is the first intimate gel product in the Philippine market capable of restoring natural moisture in the female intimate area as it intensifies sensitivity and help women address symptoms of FSD. The product is specially patented and developed in Italy using natural ingredients derived from plants such as visnadine.

Mohammad says the product is backed by massive collection of clinical data attesting to its efficacy.

While it may be true that such conditions as vaginal dryness and lack of sexual interest are often associated with menopause among more mature women, FSD can occur at any age or stage in life.

Mohammad says FSD is easy to address with proper support system and guidance from a health professional.

Medical treatment involving hormone therapy can be prescribed especially for patients with underlying medical conditions but may come with some risks and undesirable side effects, and must be undertaken only under the guidance of a doctor.

There are also numerous non-medical treatments and lifestyle strategies to overcome FSD, one of which is open communication.

Dialog with one’s partner is key to understanding one’s own body and sexual needs as well. Learn or develop a system of communication to enhance intimacy not just physically but emotionally as well.

Counseling or the professional guidance of a psychologist or medical professional may provide more effective and efficient communication and self-awareness exercises, techniques and tools.

Healthy living is another. An overall lifestyle of health and wellness, limited alcohol intake and

AJ Research & Pharma Sdn. Bhd. chief executive Javed Ghulam Mohammad regular physical activity and exercise can also increase stamina, lighten mood and eliminate stress.

“In the Philippines, you see that the women population is pretty strong. They are working women, leaders in their field. But there must be something there the bothers them. There is a big possibility that whatever ails them may have something to do with FSD,” Mohammad says.

According to data, as much as 43 percent of adult women have experienced at least one manifestation of FSD at one point in their lives.

Symptoms of FSD include the inability to achieve orgasm; low desire to engage in sex; difficulty with sexual response or arousal; and physical conditions such as poor vaginal lubrication and pain.

After its Philippine debut, AJ Research will also launch V-Sense in Dubai, Vietnam and Singapore.

AJ Research & Pharma has recently completed the acquisition of Pascual Total Health Inc. to manage the distribution of AJ’s proprietary products as well as European wellness products to the Philippines.

This year, the Malaysian pharmaceutical

company will start bringing at least 25 to 30 new products through the tail-end of 2017.

“We have a big range of pharmaceutical products that we are introducing every quarter. One of these is moxifloxacin, a high-end, very potent antibiotic and a drug for erectile dysfunction in a different form plus cardiovascular and central nervous system portfolio. Pediatric chewables with lysine and taurine for kids wil be introduced in 5 different variants and at least 5 more products under derma aesthetics,” Mohammad says.

AJ Research via Pascual Total Health is distributing 15 pharmaceutical products in the Philippines.

The company is very aggressive with the quarterly launches, collaborating with US and European pharmaceutical companies for new products it can market globally.

“The board is very happy with Philippine operations. We are willing to invest more in this country, whether another acquisition or setting up of manufacturing facilities. We’re looking for brand acquisition as well, although we’re not in active discussions with any brand yet,” says Mohammad.

CREATIVE ENTREPRENEURS HELP BUILD STRONGER BRANDS THE previous years saw the milk tea boom in the Philippines. This period paved the way for the launch of Serenitea Milk Tea in 2008. Grounded on the simple joys of serving milk tea variants and snack options, Serenitea rose to become one of the fastestgrowing and most recognized milk tea brands in the country.

A few years after their launch, Serenitea’s popularity was challenged by new players.

This led to a saturated market, with several milk tea brands fighting for consumer acceptance and loyalty.

Despite an established customer following, Serenitea’s owner, Juliet “Jules” Herrera-Chen, knew it was time to re-think the brand and its future. “We were somehow stuck, like the business suddenly reached a plateau state, not losing but not also moving up as how we wanted it. As a pioneer, we want to maintain our strong positioning in this category,” says Jules.

The important starting point came when Jules met Aaron Palileo of Bootleg Innovation Design, a customer-centered and creativity-based firm that helps organizations innovate their corporate and brand strategies.

Bootleg specializes in finding new ways for companies to differentiate and innovate in their markets. Bootleg applies a unique brand of consumer needs finding and market sense making involving “human sciences.” At the heart of their process are social scientists that are competent in social anthropology and psychology--disciplines that have developed effective methods to truly understand people and environments.

“We have a highly accomplished team of psychologists and social anthropologists who boast of professional [i.e. clinical and commercial] and academic experience and success,” says Palileo.

L aunched in 2013, B ootleg was established by Aaron Palileo, Paolo Abella and Jay Amante, three creative entrepreneurs who know a thing or two about consumer insighting, brand building and designing experiences.

Palileo is a teacher at Ateneo Graduate School of Business while Abella graduated from New York Film Academy and has worked on commercial videos for multinational brands. Amante, who graduated from AIM’s Managing the Arts Program, owns Blanc Art Gallery, one of

Bootleg Innovation Design partners (from left) Ateneo Graduate School of Business professor and brand manager Aaron Palileo, gallery owner and entrepreneur Jay Amante and filmmaker Paolo Abella.

the country’s top art galleries.

“We started by understanding what Serenitea’s strengths were to begin with.

One is that it is the only brand that uses real imported tealeaves. The local culinary experts we spoke to validated that this was one of the things that made Serenitea special.

We performed digital scans to monitor the sentiments of consumers online and found

out that people already loved Serenitea’s instore experience,” says Palileo.

Bootleg’s psychologist then interviewed various kinds of customers – milk tea fanatics (those loyal to Serenitea and its competitors) as well as high-frequency customers of other beverages like coffee and fruit shakes.

Throughout the process, Abella, Amante and Palileo regularly met with the owners, Jules and her husband, Peter to talk them about their personal and professional dreams and aspirations.

After the insighting process, Bootleg developed long and short-term strategies for Serenitea. Bootleg guided Serenitea in crafting its long-term direction by articulating its overall brand vision, mission and value proposition. Bootleg developed a new tagline that perfectly captured the new brand strategy – “Have a Moment of Serenitea.”

These long-term strategies were then translated into a brand equity development plan, which plotted the specific product, service, price, place, promotion and frontliner strategies and programs.

At the end of the project, Bootleg generated the following outputs for

Serenitea: a new understanding of their customers’ needs and wants on behavioral, psychological, and emotional levels, a better understanding of their direct and indirect competitors, their brand’s real strengths, a more focused long-term brand strategy that serves as a blueprint for present and future growth and a detailed marketing plan.

“Overall, we helped Jules create a better, stronger Serenitea – from knowing and building on her brand’s strength, market and consumers, competitors as well as future directions and growth potentials,” says Abella.

GROWTH OPPORTUNITIES With a more focused marketing and brand strategy, Serenitea preserved its loyal fan base and solidified its leadership in the milk tea category. More importantly, Serenitea has evolved from a straightforward beverage retailer to a place that offers a complete milktea experience as it now offers milk-tea based chocolates and candies.

These strategies and programs allowed them to further grow their customer base.

The chain now currently runs 30 outlets located all over the metro, and in Cebu and Davao City.

Sports

SUNDAY, APRIL 2, 2017

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reuelvidal@yahoo.com

FOLAYANG IS MORE MOTIVATED THAN EVER ONE Championship referee raises Danny Kingad’s hand in victory inside the ONE caged. ONE Championship

KINGAD WANTS TO PRESERVE WIN STREAK

ONE Championship Lightweight World Champion Eduard Folayang (left) faces off against challenger Ev Ting on the roof of the Citibank Tower with the Makati skyline in the background. The two square off at ONE: Kings of Destiny on April 21. ONE Championship

By Reuel Vidal

E

DUARD “Landslide” Folayang, who won his ONE Championship Lightweight World title late last year, makes his first defense against challenger Ev Ting in Manila on April 21.

The 33-year-old Folayang has spent years chasing the world MMA crown he now holds. He is motivated, hungry and prepared to defend his hard-earned title.

Folayang, whose wife recently gave birth to their first child, will not be fighting for himself alone this time around.

“Just being with my wife and child makes me more determined to hold on to the crown, not just for myself but for my family,” said Folayang ahead of his defense against a dangerous challenger.

Folayang and Ting faced off during an exclusive media day held by the largest sports media property in Asian history, ONE Championship™ (ONE), in conjunction with Predator gaming laptops at the Top of the Citi Restaurant in Citibank Tower for their coming fight ONE: Kings of Destiny.

Folayang of the legendary Team Lakay in Baguio City is a grizzled veteran MMA fighter who has been competing in the sport for over a decade. His career

has had its ups and downs.

He has authored spectacular victories and experienced devastating defeats.

He knows how dangerous fighting inside the cage can be. He was left a bloody mess and lost via brutal TKO after Lowen Tynanes split open his left eyebrow with an elbow.

He was even put to sleep after a flying knee by Timofey Nastyukhin smashed on his forehead knocking him senseless.

But he rose from the ashes of those defeats, ascended the difficult trek to the championship and eventually prevailed against all odds. He believes that the difficult road to the top has made him a better, more complete fighter.

“I know how it feels to be a challenger hungry for recognition. I know how it feels to be the underdog facing a favored, better known opponent. I will not underestimate Ting,” said Folayang.

The veteran capped an astonishing 2016 when he won three consecutive bouts against high-profile opponents while showcasing a

highly-improved wrestling and grappling game.

In his last bout, Folayang shocked the world by capturing the ONE Lightweight World Championship with a sensational victory over Japanese MMA and grappling legend Shinya Aoki.

Folayang faces a dangerous opponent in the versatile Ting who adapts to his opponents accordingly.

Ting has beaten grapplers by staying on his feet and trading punches and kicks from afar. He has beaten strikers by taking them to uncharted territory, bringing them down to the mat and winning by submission.

Ting was born in Malaysia but lives and trains out of Auckland, New Zealand.

He owns an impressive 13-3 professional record which includes four wins by submission and also four exciting knockouts.

Ting earned his date with Folayang after defeating MMA veteran Kamal Shalorus, who incidentally has beaten Folayang, by split decision. The victory earned him the right to face the ONE Lightweight

ONE Championship Lightweight World Champion Eduard Folayang proudly holds on to the championship belt during the media launch at Citibank Tower.

world champion.

For more updates on ONE Championship, please visit www.onefc.com, follow on Twitter and Instagram @ONEChampionship, and like on Facebook at https:// www.facebook.com/ ONEChampionship.

ONE Championship is the largest sports media property in Asian history. Headquartered in Singapore, the world’s most exciting mixed martial arts organization hosts the largest sports en-

tertainment events across Asia featuring the best Asian mixed martial artists and world champions, all signed to exclusive contracts, on the largest media broadcast in Asia.

ONE Championship is broadcast to over one billion viewers across 118+ countries around the world with some of the largest global broadcasters, including FOX Sports, Setanta, MNC, Astro, Thairath TV, ABS-CBN, TV5, MYTV, HTV, OSN and more.

DANNY Kingad is a true warrior from the mountains of the Cordilleras and one of the top prospects to come out of Baguio City.

He stakes his unblemished four-win record against Malaysian combatant Muhammad Aiman on the undercard of ONE: Kings of Destiny at the Mall of Asia Arena on April 21.

Kingad aims to cement his stature as one of the highly-regarded flyweights in Asian mixed martial arts (MMA) by preserving his unblemished professional record.

Kingad is a tremendous striker, who also possesses solid grappling skills. In his most recent bout, he needed just one round to submit fellow Filipino flyweight contender Eugene Toquero.

Part of the talented new breed of Team Lakay fighters, Kingad will have his next assignment as a ONE Championship competitor in Aiman. The former MIMMA featherweight titleholder will drop down to ONE Championship’s 61.2-kilogram weight class to lock horns with Kingad.

Despite facing a bigger opponent with a physique of a natural featherweight Kingad remains unfazed as Aiman is entering the flyweight territory.

“This is a different turf for him. The pace is different in this division. He might have the advantage in height, but athletes in this division can negate that with speed and power. That makes it an even playing field,” he said.

Kingad faces a dangerous opponent in Aiman who tallied impressive victories in his last two fights under the ONE Championship banner.

Since encountering a setback in his first pro bout, the 22-year-old Malaysian standout has rallied with a twofight winning streak. He beat Hisyam Samsudin by unanimous decision in his first fight inside the ONE Championship cage and stopped Brazilian grappler Eduardo Novaes in his most recent outing.

“Every single time that Muhammad Aiman is inside the cage, he brings something new to the table. It’s a challenge that can truly benefit my growth as a competitor in this sport,” Kingad said.

Kingad revealed that he is giving it his all in training camp as he anticipates Aiman to bring his A-game.

“Muhammad Aiman is well-versed, but so am I. He will be coming to this fight with all of his grappling and striking arsenal. I am prepared wherever the fight goes,” Kingad said.

OLYMPIAN SCHOOLING WILL FLY SINGAPORE FLAG BESIDE LEE

Singapore Olympic gold medalist Joseph Schooling (center) will fly the Singapore flag alongside Angela Lee who defends here ONE Championship Women’s Atomweight world title at ONE: Dynasty of Heroes to be held in Singapore. ONE Championship

SINGAPORE’S biggest sports hero Joseph Schooling will show his solidarity with another sporting legend from Singapore, Angela Lee. The Olympic gold medalist and swimming world champion will accompany ONE Women’s Atomweight World Champion Lee to the cage as part of her entourage during the main event of ONE: Dynasty of Heroes.

The youngest world champion in mixed martial arts history, Lee will face Brazil’s Istela Nunes in a five-round bout which will headline a stacked fight card to hit the Singapore Indoor Stadium in May. Ticket information for ONE: DYNASTY OF HEROES is available at www.onefc.com Lee expressed her gratitude to Singapore’s sporting legend Schooling for the gracious gesture of support.

“I am very happy to be including Olympic

gold medalist Joseph Schooling in my walkout as I defend my world title for the second time, this time right here in Singapore. I can’t wait to hear the roar of the crowd as their two world champions walk out to the cage, one holding the ONE Championship belt and the other with the Singapore national flag!” said.

World champion swimmer Schooling on the other hand said he was happy for the chance to support a fellow Singapore national.

“When ONE Championship approached me last I was definitely keen to show my support for my fellow Singaporean athletes by walking alongside them. However, it was not possible due to school commitments. This time around, I definitely do not want to miss the chance to walk alongside ONE Women’s Atomweight World Champion Angela Lee, as she defends her title against Istela Nunes. I am looking forward to the event on 26 May. It will definitely

be spectacular,” said Schooling.

Lee is one of the promotion’s most outstanding athletes regardless of gender or weight class. She captured the inaugural ONE Women’s Atomweight World Championship with a spectacular victory over Mei Yamaguchi in 2016 and has since then defended the title successfully.

Schooling is a 21-year-old world champion swimmer, born and raised in Singapore and is a third-generation Singaporean. In 2016, Schooling became an Olympic gold medalist, defeating the legendary American swimmer Michael Phelps and setting a world record for the 100m butterfly event at the Olympic Games in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil.

He is currently studying at the University of Texas at Austin where he is a prominent member of the Texas Longhorns swimming team.

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Sports

SUNDAY, APRIL 2, 2017 Riera U. Mallari, Editor / Reuel Vidal, Issue Editor / Randy Caluag, Issue Editor

sports_mstandard@yahoo.com

Hidilyn Diaz

DIAZ GETTING BACK TO OLD, FINE FORM

By Peter Atencio

Glen Aguilar showing his patented daredevil moves

AGUILAR SHOWS WAY IN DIAMOND SUPERCROSS

W

HAT’S Glen Aguilar secret to his longevity at the race track?

Maybe his irrepressible passion?

The will to win? His love for the game?

Even Aguilar, at 42, is perplexed by his dominant ability at the racetrack as he proved once more that he remains a force to reckon with in Philippine motocross.

“Kahit nga ako nagtataka rin sa sarili ko, pero siguro dahil na rin nga hinahanap ko pa rin ang laro,” said the many-time national champion and international campaigner Aguilar.

Again, he showed the young guns what he’s capable of as he turned back rising star Bornok Mangosong of Davao in the recent second leg of the of Diamond Motor Supercross series at the MX Messiah Fairgrounds in Taytay, Rizal.

Lacking in sleep notwithstanding, Aguilar did not lose composure in the face of a blistering start by Mangosong, who took the early lead right at the first turn.

But Aguilar of KTM Racing, banked on his rich experience and wrested the lead after the third of the 25-lap Pro Open class and slowly pulled away for good before a highly-cheering crowd.

Aguilar currently leads the standings after two legs.

“I’m very happy,” said Aguilar, who won the overall title the 2016 edition of the series featuring the country’s top riders.

Showing that his legs can stand the rigors of an exhausting race held

Bornok Mangosong takes early lead

amid energy-sapping heat, Aguilar masterfully thwarted Mangosong all-out bid to overhaul the lead.

“I need to improve my stamina,” said Mangosong, who also placed second in the first of the five-leg series organized by Xtreme Adrenaline Sports headed by Sam Tamayo of the Generation Congregation.

“Andoon na ako sa point na either I try na humabol and face the danger of crashing or maintain ko na lang ang safe pace and settle for second place.”

In the DC Shoes Ladies Class, Nueva Ecija’s pride Pia Gabriel, as expected, dominated without much resistance.

Gabriel needed to borrow the bike of his older brother Ompong but hardly encountered serious reGlen Aguilar: I love this game sistance from Quiana Reyes of Sta. Maria Bulacan and Shana Tamayo. Mass Communications student Like Aguilar, the 19-year-old from Wesleyan University in Ca-

banatuan City, won his second straight leg.

The series is supported by Dunlop Tires, Dickies, Tireshakk, Yamaha Motor Philippines, Go Pro Philippines, PTT Philippines Corporation, DC Shoes Philippines, Coffee Grounds and Xtreme Adrenaline Sports Entertainment Co. The overall champion in the Pro Open will receive P50,000 with the second placer receiving P20,000.

The third placer will get P10,000.

The Overall winner in the amateur class will take home P5,000.

As the roar of the machines filled the air, fans were also treated to the Diamond Autotune Battleo of the Bands. Top bands headlined by Jon Blaylock’s Firefalldown provided the adrenaline surge for the fans.

Sam Tamayo of the organizing Xtreme Adrenaline Sports expected the opposition to provide stiff competition against the leaders.

“The leaders maintained their positions in leg 2 but the excitement was there as the fans really poured out to enjoy the roaring and flying machines,” said Tamayo, who is a Pastor of the Church of Nazarene in Taytay.

Aside from the Open class, there were also actions for young and old alike.

There were categories for kids, opne underbone, open local endure, amateur open, Yamaha One Make Race, executive and the veterans division where Jing Leongson, Jonjon Antonio, Rowell Casellano and RJ Del Leon competed.

Three more legs to go and the eventual champion will receive a grand prize of P20,000.00 will, P14,000.00 to the second placer and P10,000.00 to the third placer.

THREE months after getting back to training, Olympic silver medallist Hidilyn Diaz is slowly regaining her fine form.

She came up with her heaviest lift during training on Thursday afternoon at the gym inside the Rizal Memorial Sports Complex.

The 26-year old Diaz heaved 110 kgs in the clean and jerk.

Diaz said has not done this since she won the silver medal in the 53-kg class of the 2016 Rio Olympics weightlifting event.

Her lift was 2 kgs short of the 112 kg. that would have allowed her to pull even with Taiwanese Hsu Shu-Ching.

Hsu eventually became the gold medal winner at that time.

“Nakita ko na ang progress ng training ko. Maganda na,” Diaz told this writer during the launch of the Manila Standard’s digital edition at the I’M Hotel in Makati.

It was her biggest lift for the day, and sapped her energy for the rest of the afternoon.

With the 2017 Southeast Asian Games in Kuala Lumpur is now out of her plans, Diaz will focus her preparations on two other top tier events this year.

Diaz is set to join the weightlifting meet in the 2017 Asian Indoor and Martial Arts Games in Turkmenistan this September, and the World Championship this November in Anaheim, California.

To do so, she needs to lose weight.

She said she is currently at least six kilos overweight, and Diaz needs to get back in shape

by August.

It will be Diaz’s first in the multi-event Asian meet in Turkmenistan.

On the other hand, it will be her third time to join the tournament organized by the International Weightlifting Federation in the United States.

Participating in the SEA Games is already out of the question since organizers have deleted many women’s events from the calendar.

She is now training again with coach Tony Agustin, who handled her, before Dondon Aldanete took over to help train her for the Rio de Janeiro Olympics.

Hidilyn is back in school, taking up business management after she accepted a scholarship offer from the College of St. Benilde.

MALAYSIA HOSTS ASIAN U ARCHERY/BASKETBALL CHAMPIONSHIPS

By Graham C. Lim KUALA LUMPUR—All roads lead to Malaysia for the inaugural Asian University Archery Championship and 3rd Asian University 3x3 Basketball Championship to be simultaneously staged in April.

The twin competitions are being organized by the Malaysian University Sports Council, under the supervision of MASUM secretary general Mustaza Ahmad.

The archery competitions will be the first ever hosted by the Asian University Sports Federation.

The 3rd Asian University 3x3Basketball Championship, which will be held in Nilai, Malaysia is set from April 12 to 16.

Significantly, this is the first time that two

sports events are being held simultaneously in one site.

The idea is very, very sound as it cuts huge operational costs and other tournament expenses and avoids travel-time hassle that can be draining to some participating countries that may want to take part in both the archery and basketball spectacles.

The Philippines, which will compete under the banner of the Federation of School Sports Association of the Philippines, is sending entries to the competitions in archery and 3x3 basketball (both men’s and women’s divisions).

Accredited FESSAP member, University of Baguio from the Cordillera Autonomous Region, which is under the leadership of its president Dhanna Kerina B. Rodas, in cooperation with her vice president Atty. Rommel Ayson,

executive secretary Mardie Yabot and athletic director Allan Elegado, has been tasked to prepare and send teams to the twin events.

The UB archery team is made up of university athletes Loren Chloe Balaoing and Shanaya Rose Dangla.

Members of the UB Cardinals’ 3x3 men’s basketball squad to be coached by Joel Flores are Cedric B. Tolentino; Reniel Allan Doral; Alfir Quinones; and Ismael Khan Muhammad.

The women’s squad, the Lady Cardinals’ 3x3 basketball contingent mentored by Mary Hazel Yambot, will be powered by Briquel Jane Garcia; Cheryl Ann Magno; Cristy Grace Ramilo and Janine Orca.

The venue for the basketball competitions is the Universiti Sains Islam Malaysia in Nilai, Negeri Sembilan, Malaysia.

FESSAP representatives met with sport officials from the University of Baguio at their main campus in Baguio City to finalize its participation in the Asian University Championship for archery and 3x3 basketball in Malaysia.