Puerto Princesa City, situated in the renowned Last Frontier of the Philippines, is topping the charts as a preferred destination for travelers, adventure enthusiasts, and nature lovers. The city's growing popularity is further boosted by hosting numerous sports tournaments, establishing itself as the recognized "Sports Capital of the Philippines."

Relentless. Exceptional. Indomitable. That's the spirit of Puerto Princesa, showcasing top-notch sports events including marine activities such as kite-boarding, wakeboarding, water skiing, banana-boat rides, tube riding, and hookah diving. The city is also a consistent host of the "Motocross Masters of Asia," featuring the Philippine leg of the FIM UAM Asian Motocross Series, Puerto Princesa International Motocross Grand Prix, Thai Riders, Pinoy Riders, Mountain Bike XC Challenge, and Boxing Eve "Hamon sa Puerto Princesa."

Puerto Princesa understands that sports and tourism are interrelated and complementary driving forces for the promotion and sustainable economic development of the city as an attractive tourism destination. It continues to boost its tourist arrivals by hosting and organizing more sporting events.

Gathering strength, determination, and a sea of endurance: Participants unite for the Ironman 70.3 Puerto Princesa 2023, capturing the essence of the long-distance triathlon journey in a single frame.

The city is blessed with natural resources and landscape to hold excellent mass-participation events such as triathlons and marathons, mountain bike and motor cross races, beach volleyball, and other water sports competitions.

“Talagang naka-project na ang Puerto Princesa sa sports tourism. Syempre yung hinahabol nating sports tourism yung mayroong international flavor,” City Mayor Lucilo Rodriguez Bayron said. Mega sports events such as Ironman and dragon boat festival can be catalysts for tourism development in Puerto Princesa if successfully leveraged in terms of destination branding, infrastructure development and other economic, cultural, and social benefits.

IRONMAN 70.3 PUERTO PRINCESA-ASIA TRI-CLUB CHAMPIONSHIP

The second year of the IRONMAN 70.3 Puerto Princesa - Asia Tri-Club Championship, the ultimate test of endurance, strategy, and strength, capped off the Philippines' triathlon season. It was successfully held in Puerto Princesa on November 12.

A total of 523 foreign and Filipino triathletes from 38 countries participated in the amazing race. Satar Salem (4 hours, 22 minutes, and 25 seconds) and Leyann Ramo (5 hours, 2 minutes, and 56 seconds) both of Tri SND Barracuda dominated the top overall age group for the male and female categories, respectively.

China’s Junyu Cao finished the race in second place at 4:23.13 while Dutch Olympian Eric Van der Linden rounded off the top three finishers in the male category with 4:24.41. Ramo’s teammate Lyllian Grace Banzon trailed her at second place in 5:29.23 while American Catherine Wood completed the top three in the women’s side with the time of 5:36.26.

Tri SND Barracuda of Lanao del Norte netted the country’s top triathlon squad a whopping P500,000 purse put up by Puerto Princesa Mayor Lucilo Bayron.

The competition was divided into three segments: a 1.9-kilometer swim in Puerto Princesa Baywalk, a 90-kilometer bike ride through the city’s southern part, and a 21.1-kilometer run. The grueling course covered 113.0 kilometers, or 70.3 miles.

Ironman 70.3 participants rushing from Puerto Princesa Bay

 

City Mayor Lucilo Rodriguez Bayron expressed his gratitude to the organizers, participants, and spectators for their support for Ironman 70.3. He also showed confidence that the competition will be successfully held again in the city next year as more local and foreign delegates are expected to attend.

THIRD LEGENDS RIDE 2023

The city understands that one of the most popular ways to experience a destination is through a sports event. It allows sports enthusiasts as well as tourists to better engage with local people, nature, and culture.

That happened when about 200 local and visiting riders participated in the 3rd Legends Ride 2023 held on November 18 in Puerto Princesa. The sports activity is part of the successful Subaraw Biodiversity Festival 2023.

From the starting point at Caltex Junction 3, the riders of different groups from all over the country, led by the Tamilok Motorcycle Group, marched together. The other participants were the Big Bikes, Palawan Street Monkeys, Himass Motorcycle Group/Hijos, United Sports Bike of Palawan (USP) and others on small bikes.

The route took the legend riders to Puerto Princesa landmarks such as the Montible Junction, Napsan at the Villa Francesca Resort in Simpocan, the Tala Beach Resort and straight to the Tennis Covered Court of the Ramon V. Mitra Sports Complex, inside Balayong People’s Park.

“Thank you very much for bringing the Legends Ride to our city. Because you enjoyed it, you will definitely come back here. You are always welcome here in Puerto Princesa City,” said City Mayor Bayron at the fellowship dinner at the Tennis Covered Court as he congratulated the organizers, riders, guests, and sponsors for the successful holding of the Legends Ride 2023.

Jun Diagono, president of the National Federation of Motorcycles said they are very happy with the success of Legends Ride 2023. He set two goals in going to Puerto Princesa City: first was to unite all the big bikes clubs in the Philippines; and second, to invite various groups to the National Motorcycle Convention on April 26-27, 2024, at the Subic Bay Convention Center.

Diagono also convinced Puerto Princesa City bike legend Edward Butch Chase to hold the national convention in the city next year. He also promised to bring LMFI’s 54-member bike clubs to participate in the upcoming event, including the Federation of Bikes Club based in Mindanao.

At the awarding, the youngest rider was Blu Andre Rausa, 19 years old; and the oldest rider was Bob Del Rosario, 74 years old. The Most Organized Group is Evo Riders Club Philippines and Biggest Group is Palawan Street Monkeys. A Special Citation was given to Philip Dulatas as the overall chair of the event, and a Certificate of Greatest Appreciation for the support of William Genato, Naj Abdul, and Elroy John “Clink: Hagedorn. The Living legend award was given to Edward Butch Chase.

The other participating groups were the Legends Ride are Binuang, GBC, Bandits, Baghawi Rider Club, Bundakan Motorcycle Club and Widows Son Masonic Riders Association. 2ND INTERNATIONAL DRAGON BOAT FESTIVAL 2023

The 2nd International Dragon Boat Festival 2023, held on November 19, attracted teams from Chinese Taipei, Manila, Cebu and Siargao which competed in the just-concluded 200-meter event. From this series of international activities, it has been proven that it is possible to raise the level of programs and activities in Puerto Princesa.

Strength, strategy, paddling speed, and teamwork were the advantages of the 'paddlers' who won the championship in the final competition. They showed the audience a breath-taking fight. Everyone wants to get away and no one wants to be left behind. So even on a sunny day, the applause and screams from the audience were loud and clear.

In the Women’s Category, the Alliance of Masters from Manila won the championship; 1st runner-up is the Philippine Titans – Manila; Fire Dragons A is 2nd runner-up – Manila; and Rampage is 3rd runner-up – Manila.

In the Men’s Category, Mr. Canoe from Chinese Taipei won the championship. Followed by Philippine Titans in second place, Dagun Pilipinas A in third place and Alliance of Masters in fourth place. The battle in the Mixed Category was also uneventful where the Siargao Dragons from Surigao del Norte proved that they deserve to be champions. The Alliance of Masters placed second; Hongkong China Canoe took third place followed by SAG-1 from Manila in fourth place.

In the Masters Category where those aged 40 and above were given the opportunity to show their skills, the Sugbo Mighty Dragons from Cebu became champions; followed in second place by the Alliance of Masters; Rampage in third place; and Blue Phoenix from Manila in fourth place.

Praise and admiration were showered on the leadership of the Philippine Canoe Kayak Dragon Boat Federation, or PCKDF, for taking the lead in organizing the international sports event in the city. Also heavily praised were the efforts shown by Mayor Lucilo Rodriguez Bayron in the tremendous success achieved by the municipal government for the competition.

“It was not easy but we know that we can win these big international events of ours. Of course with the support of department heads, city hall employees and the citizens who are there to support what we do. And even the organizations that trust us for big events. I am very grateful,” said City Mayor Bayron. “Please also expect that there are many more activities to look forward to that will definitely make the city recognized by the whole world not only for its eco-tourism wealth but also to become famous as the Sports Tourism Capital of the Philippines!”

 

Ortigas Malls is inviting everyone to experience the joy of love this Valentine's Day! With three locations - Greenhills, Tiendesitas, and Estancia Mall, there are plenty of events to choose from. Take a romantic and memorable photo with a loved one at Love Snaps, which will be held from February 1 to 14. You can find Love Snaps at Greenhills G/F Vmall, Tiendesitas Level 1, Building B, and Estancia G/F East Wing.

For couples who enjoy arts and crafts, there are two events that will surely delight! Love and Art: Glass Painting, featuring Glassicology by Fchel, is a painting workshop for couples. You can attend this event on February 11, 1pm (Tiendesitas Level 1, Food Village), February 12, 2pm (Estancia G/F East Wing), and February 18, 2pm (Greenhills 2/F, Centermall). And if you have kids, they can join in the fun too with Love and Art: Kids Crafts on February 12, 2pm (Tiendesitas Level 1, Food Village). This will be a Valentine-themed crafts workshop perfect for the little ones.

For those who are single and looking to mingle, there will be a Speed Dating event on Valentine's Day. This event is open to people aged 20 to 40 years old and will be held at Greenhills (2pm), Estancia (4pm), and Tiendesitas (6pm). For more information, be sure to check out the social media pages of Greenhills Mall, Tiendesitas, and Estancia at Capitol Commons. So come and celebrate love and enjoy every day at Ortigas Malls!

2013 has indeed made a good year for Kwento Ni Toto.  A great year that made us gain us more followers and readers and of course brands and companies, and actors and singers that put their trust on us in sharing their latest products, movies, music and campaigns.

It’s Monday, another start of the week. Though my body urges me to go back to bed my mind is telling me to wake up or I’ll be late for work. That’s what I feel every Monday whenever I get up and prepare for work. My morning starts around quarter or few minutes before 5 am, preparing myself and getting ready to go to work. I leave the house at around quarter to six.

Before moving out of the house I make sure to have a last peek of the kids. It is a little keepsake for the whole week that I’ll not be around with them. I would be missing them for some time and it breaks my heart leaving the kids and my wife. They are Daddyless for the week but I have to because it’s for them.

The Trophy

As we all know bloggers have indeed been one of the partners of different companies and brands.  Bloggers have made brands and companies rank high in the search engines, become well known to most of the people online, and perhaps bloggers have placed these brands to the heart of the consumers.  We, the bloggers, have been their partner online.


Since it's the month of December and it is the month of merry making, eating, parties, gifts, and sharing, one of our well love brand of Max's Restaurant made an exclusive night for the bloggers, the Bloggers' Got Talent.  Yes, the bloggers were treated for a night of merry making, eating, gifts, and raffles.  No bloggers came home empty handed.  Max's has indeed made an early Christmas gift during that night.


Of course all parties are not complete without the singing portion and to be fare to everyone present during that night, it was a raffle of who will sing first.  This means everyone did sing even Sir Bob of Max's and the staff of Bright Ideas.

It was a fun a night! Thank you Max's Restaurant and Bright Ideas and Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year!

Have you ever been to a Grand Eyeball? Well me, I haven't! So this will be something new and something exciting to look forward to. I wanted to be a part as the Facebook Group hails its first ever Grand Eyeball!

Finally! After over a year of inception, Filipino Bloggers Worldwide (FBW), in partnership with Ex-Links Events, presents Filipino Bloggers Worldwide: The 1st Grand Eyeball.

SM City Manila centerpiece

Christmas! It is the day that kids are waiting for. This is the day that they are longing to come aside from their birthdays. It is the season of receiving gifts for the kids and giving gifts for the kids-at-heart. It is the season of giving and sharing.

Christmas has been and always will be the happiest moment for most of us. Not just because of having gifts and parties but also being with our loveones in a very meaningful day of the year. From the start of the ber month, people starts their countdown for the big day which is the Christmas. As it gets closer and closer, people becomes busier and busier planning and decorating for Christmas.

Mommies! What would be Christmas without them? Back when I was still young, I would always look at my Mom when she's cooking all the foods that I love to eat during Christmas. It was a great holiday that I've been looking forward every year. For us children they are our heroes, though they may be silent in what they are doing but still they are our saviour when its Christmas. They always save the day.

Mid of this month, I was able to be invited in a very foreign setting of event in which I may say it's quite interesting. Yup, it's quite interesting because most of the people present were foreign. This is the first time that I'm in a crowd of foreigners.

Anyway, it was October12, 2012, Friday was the initial start of the three day event of the Mabuhay Germany. It was a weekend of a perfect blend of business, culture and fun-filled family activities. The event was organized by German-Philippine Chamber of Commerce and Industry or GPCCI in cooperation with the German institutions in the Philippines.