Dancers Show Flair in DanceSport National Tilt

The DanceSport Council of the Philippines Inc. (DSCP)launched the DSCP National Championships in conjunction with its 13th anniversary celebration. The competition was held last Nov. 29, with almost 400 dancers competing for the top spot.

Also geared toward finding the best candidates for the national pool of competitive dancers, DSCP Becky Garcia said that this competition is a way to keep the Philippine dancers visible on the international scene and also to develop of the skills of the country’s representatives in future dance tilts. The event was originally scheduled to be held at the Ninoy Aquino Stadium last Oct. 10, but was rescheduled to the Nov. 29 launch because of Typhoon Ondoy. The dance competition was held at the Rizal Ballroom of the Makati Shangri-La Hotel.

Serving as adjudicators in the competition are Mr. Jeff Elworthy (Australia), Ms. Hermien Rachmat (Indonesia), Mr. Marcel Keijzer (Netherlands), Mr. Victor Buenavida (Spain), Mr. Paul Harris (United Kingdom), Mr. Michael Lim (Singapore), and Mr. Gheorghe Raducan (Romania), licensed adjudicators from the International Dance Sport Federation (IDSF).

The dance championships had a total of 27 divisions in the Standard and Latin categories. Among those competing are National DanceSport athletes Emmanuel Reyes and Maira Rosete (Standard), Brian Ocana and Karla Ocana (Standard), Ronnie Vergara and Charlea Lagaras (Latin), and John Melencio and Dearlie Gerodias (Latin).The winners in the different divisions are:

Grade A Latin: Ronnie Steve Vergara and Charlea Lagaras (Cebu)
Grade A Standard: Brian Ocana and Karla Ocana (Metro Manila)
Grade B Latin: Anselmo Estillore Jr. and Mae Lozada (Cebu)
Grace B Standard: Gil Satrain and Chiao-Mei Chu (Metro Manila)
Grade C Latin: Jungie Zamora and Sheena Richen Daminar (Mindanao)
Grade C Standard: Don Kristian Bolaños and Alona Dangcalan (Luzon)
Grade D Latin: Joseph Bautista and Luzviminda Atruz (Metro Manila)
Grade D Standard: Glenn Marvin Fabul and Richelle Cabigas (Luzon)
Junior A Latin: Nigelandes Legaspi and Rochelle Canoy (Metro Manila)
Junior A Standard: Tristan John Ducay and Willanne Rose Ducay (Metro Manila)
Junior C Latin: Nigelandes Legaspi and Rochelle Canoy (Metro Manila)
Juvenile C Latin: Joshua Orapa and Dannah Joyce Piol (Metro Manila)
Juvenile C Standard: Joshua Orapa and Dannah Joyce Piol (Metro Manila)

The event was sponsored by the Philippine Sports Commission, the Philippine Olympic Committee, PCSO, PAGCOR, NU 107, Savannah Moon, Water Zone, Studio 116, and Ho. Andrea Domingo.

For more details of DSCP and the complete list of winners, visit their website at http://www.dancesportphils.com/.

Pampanga on 1st Horse Fest ‘09

The City of Pampanga celebrated their Horse Fest 2009: 1st Annual Clark Freeport Horse Festival from November 28 to 30, 2009 at the Clark Freeport Zone, Pampanga.

It was an event-filled weekend participated by serious horse enthusiasts, families and regular visitors that joined and watched the polo matches and equestrian competitions as well as tilbury races. Moreover, carriage rides, magic and puppet shows, family games and contests at the Trade & Food Fair, free lessons on feeding and grooming of horses, and free lessons on basic horse riding were enjoyed by the participating children.

The first day was started by Grand Parade from El Kabayo towards Clark Parade Grounds followed by the Trade and Food Fair and the Polo Competition at the Clark Parade Grounds. In the afternoon, the Clark Picnic Grounds showcased the Equestrian Competition, and the day was ended by a Grand Fireworks Display. The second and third day was the continuation of the Equestrian Competition and the Trade & Food Fair, also with the Tilbury Races at the Speedway Venue.

The event was hosted by the Clark Development Corporation (CDC), Greater Clark Visitors Bureau (GCVB) and the Clark Freeport Tourism Association (CFTA).

ARPI on its National Encounter

Arnis Philippines (ARPI) held the Annual Arnis National Encounter last November 27 to 29, 2009 in two different venues.

The eliminations in anyo (form) and full contact sizzle was held in the first two days at the Philsposrt Multi-Purpose Arena (formerly ULTRA), while the championships unfold on the last day at the SM Mall of Asia Music Hall.

Overall winners for all categories are as follows: Western Visayas College of Science and Technology (1st) with 8 gold, 7 silvers, and 2 bronze medals; Philippine Air Force Arnis Team (2nd) with 6 gold, 6 silvers, and 5 bronze medals; and Baguio Arnis Team (3rd) with 5 gold, 1 silver, and 3 bronze.

ARPI President Raymond Velayo confirmed the participation of around 500 arnisadores from different areas of Luzon, Visayas, and Mindanao. Moreover, Velayo stated that the winners for this competition will represent the country in forthcoming Arnis International Encounter in Manila, and other international meets in 2010.

For more information about the event, email Arnis Philippines at info@arnisphilippines.com or visit their website http://www.arnisphilippines.com/.

TRAP 4th quarter program for year 2009 2009 Subic Bay ASTC Asian Duathlon Championship

Even at the close of the year 2009, Filipino triathletes faced a busy schedule. The last three months of 2009 was spiced up by 3 international competitions and 4 local races, with the Philippines’ hosting of the Asian Duathlon Championship (ADC) last November 15, 2009 as the culminating highlight of the season.

Asian Duathlon Championship

ADC 2009 featured a new run course at the Subic Bay Gateway Park and a new event venue at the Subic Bay Exhibition & Convention Center (SBECC).

Formerly the Philippine International Duathlon Open, the Asian Duathlon Championships crowned the best duathletes of the continent.

A total of 15 countries competed in the elite (10K run, 40K bike and 5K run), sprint (5K run, 23.5K bike and 2.5K run) and youth mini-sprint (2.5K run and 12.2K bike and 2.5K run) categories.

The competition also served as a try-out for the Philippine Duathlon Team. The top Filipino finishers in the Age Group and Junior competitions were considered for inclusion in the Philippine Team.

The race, which started at 6:00 am, awarded a total prize money of USD $ 5,000 to the winners at 10:00am of the same day.

Medal and Cash Prize for Top 5 Overall – Standard Distance, Open, Male & Female
Champion – USD$1,000; 2nd – USD$750; 3rd – USD$500; 4th – USD$300; 5th – USD$200

If there are less than 5 countries participating in a category:
Champion – USD$500; 2nd – USD$300; 3rd – USD$200

Medal and Cash Prize for Top 3 – Standard Distance, Under 23, Male & Female
Champion – P7,000; 2nd – P5,000;3rd – P3,000

Medal and Cash Prize for Top 3 – Junior Sprint, Male & Female
Champion – P5,000; 2nd – P3,000; 3rd – P2,000

For Male & Female Elite: Best Run 1 Split- P1,500; Best Bike Split- P1,500; Best Run 2 Split- P1,500
- Medal for Top 3 Asian Finishers in the Men & Women Elite
- Medal for all the Top 3 Finishers in the Age Group & Youth Competition
- Medal for Top 5 Finishers in the Adult Sprint race
- Medal for Eldest Male & Female Standard Distance Finisher
- Finishers T-shirt

Asian triathlon powerhouse Japan captured both the men’s and women’s elite championships.

Yuya Fukaura, Japan’s top ranked duathlete and No. 10 on the International Triathlon Union (ITU) ranking, emerged the men’s Asian champion despite finishing fourth behind the trio of top overall finishers but all non-Asians Damien Derobert from France, Australian Raohael Baugh, and world No. 1 Sergey Yakovlev from Russia. Fukaura clocked 1:51.35, a few minutes behind Derobert’s 1:49.24 and Baugh’s 1:49.36.

The best local finisher in the division was Cagayan de Oro’s Neil Catiil, last year’s Philippine International Duathlon champion in Clark, Pampanga, who wound up fifth overall in 1:53.03. However, it was enough to catapult Catiil to second place behind Fukaura in the Asian championship with another Filipino, August Benedicto, finishing third in 1:55.46 and sixth overall.

Airi Sawada completed Japan’s sweep of the event as she topped the distaff side. She finish second overall to Czech Radka Vodickova, who clocked 2:04.44 to Sawada’s 2:05.39.

National duathlon champion Monica Torres finished third overall in 2:08.10 and took second place in the Asian championship behind Sawada. Lea Coline Langit, the country’s top triathlete, clocked 2:09.22 to finish third in the Asian level.

Japan added the elite under-23 title to its collection with Masaaki Kurihara winning the category in 1:51.17 and matched by Hong Kong’s Joyce Cheung Ting Yan, clocking 2:13:47 to win in the distaff side.

Other Filipino athletes who participated in the event included Kim Mangrobang, Robeno Javier, Rowel Odonio and Mirasol Abad.

The race officials for ADC were David Hoong (Technical Delegate) and Daniel Sng (Race Referee).

The ADC was organized by TRAP and done in partnership with the Subic Bay Metropolitan Authority and Philippine Sports Commission. It was officiated by International Technical Officials under the supervision of ITU/ASTC.

ADC was sponsored by Subic Bay Metropolitan Authority, Rudy Project, Fitness First, David’s Salon, Gatorade, Sunkist, Vitwater, Globe Telecom, Asian Center for Insulation Phils. and the Philippine Sports Commission. Official media partners were DZSR Sports Radio 918 Khz, Channel 4’s TeleDyaryo Program, Solar Sports, other television channels, all major newspapers, tabloids and sports magazines, The Radio Partners, Inc., JAM 88dot3, WAVE 89dot1, MAGIC 89dot9, 99dot5 RT, MAX FM 103dot5.

Asian Aquathlon Championship-Invitational Triathlon

Lea Coline Langit reaped the fruit of her hard work as she won a gold and a bronze medal in the 2009 Asian Aquathlon Championship-Invitational Triathlon held in Palembang, Indonesia last October 10-11, 2009.

Langit, who was sent by TRAP for training in Australia and Korea the past months, won her first international tournament this year as she emerged champion in the Asian Aquathlon. She negotiated the 1-kilometer swim and 2.5-k run in 25 minutes and 31 seconds on splits of 15:16 in the swim and 10:07 in the run leg. She defeated Australia's Regina Wright with 26:22 and Singapore's Li Ying with 26:31 for the Asian title.

Langit was supported by Philippine Sports Commission and Subic Bay Metropolitan Authority (SBMA). She completed a fruitful stint in the tournament organized by the Indonesia Triathlon Association as she also bagged the bronze in the international triathlon event held Sunday.

She negotiated the 1.5-k swim, 40-k bike and 10-k run event in two hours, 16 minutes and 4 seconds which was two minutes behind the two Russian opponents for the first and second placings.

Other events

Aside from the ADC and Asian Aquathlon Championship-Invitational Triathlon, other completed local races during the quarter included the following, the results of which can be viewed at http://www.triathlon.org.ph/completedraces.htm:

29 November 2009 - 2nd Anvaya Cove Invitational Triathlon 2009
22 November 2009 - Davao Mayor's Cup
18 October 2009 - Speedo NAGT Series - 4th Leg

For more information about TRAP and its upcoming events, visit http://www.triathlon.org.ph/

North Tourism goes around the country

The provincial government of Pampanga again hosted the 2009 North Philippines Tourism and Travel Expo as part of its effort to enhance the promotion and preservation of the country’s tourism and cultural heritage. The three-day annual event was held on November 13-15, 2009 at the Event Centre of SM City Clark at the Clark Freeport Zone.

Arwin Paul Lingat, officer-in-charge of the Arts, Culture and Tourism Office of Pampanga (ACTOP) noted that the expo showcased the best of Philippines and Asia-Pacific tourism destinations, products and services.

With the theme “Go North, A Wellspring of Diversity”, the expo featured not only the significant dimensions of the Ilocos Region, Cagayan Valley, Central Luzon and the Cordillera Administrative Region but the entire Philippines and its neighboring countries in the Asia-Pacific region.

Among the activities conducted were the Naval Education and Training Command (NETC) Band exhibition, Polytechnic University of the Philippines Banda Kawayan and Blue Island Band performances, North Philippines Festivals parades featuring Halamang Dilaw of Marilao, Bulacan; Ylang-ylang of Anao, Tarlac; Malatarlak of Tarlac City; Sibuyasan of Bongabon, Nueva Ecija; Caragan of Mabalacat, Pampanga and Ibon-Ebun of Candaba, Pampanga.

Other featured events are the longganisa showdown dubbed “Taste, Buy and Eat”, Sabutan fashion showdown by Aurora province and North Philippines fashion show.

The event was joined by exhibitors concerned with agri-tourism and leisure properties, airlines and air alliances, cruise lines, global distribution systems, golf course, hotels and resorts, medical tourism hospitals and clinics, national and local government agencies, retirement villages, spa resorts and destinations, theme parks and amusement centers, time share properties, tour operators and travel agencies, tourism boards, tourist transport operators, travel associations, books and publications and insurance.

Empowering Ilocos’ Culture

The Museo Ilocos Norte staged Ray-Aw: Christmas in Ilocos last December 4, 2009 at the Rockwell Tent in Makati City, and the 8th Annual Governor’s Gala, on the other hand, was held at Ilocos Norte Convention Center last November 14, 2009.

Ray-aw is the Ilocos word for “celebration” and through this festival, the Museo Ilocos Norte shared with the guests various customs and traditions that are uniquely Ilocano.

To bring home the experience, a bazaar featuring Ilocano crafts and delicacies were presented to the public. The bazaar featured the famous Abel Iloco (handwoven fabrics), Intricate Ilocano Baskets and delicacies such as Empanadang Iloko, Sukang Iloco, Cornick and Bagnet. The visitors also experienced Ilocano cuisine presented and prepared by Ms. Glenda Barretto of Via Mare and Claude Tayag.

The proceeds of Ray-Aw and the Bazaar will benefit outreach programs of the Museo Ilocos Norte. The museum was primarily designed to instill a sense of pride for the Ilocanos, Yapayaos, Itnegs and other citizens of the province. It aims to create a feeling of belonging for their ancient homeland.

The 8th Annual Governor's Gala, on the other hand, is one of the most anticipated events in the province. One of the event's highlights was the awarding of the Gameng Lifetime Achievement Award, which is given to three ilocanos who have contributed their exceptional talent, creativity, and skill in the enrichment of the Ilocano culture and tradition.

Carla Diaz de Rivera (0917-9621414, 0922-8891142, rayaw.ilocosnorte@yahoo.com) was in charge of the overall event preparation.

Local, International Musicians Take Part in San Agustin International Music Festival

The finest musicians from here and abroad will once again grace the San Agustin International Music Festival, the premiere musical event in Intramuros, Manila, scheduled on November 25 to 27, 2009 at the San Agustin Church.

Now on its eleventh edition, guests will be treated to the majestic sound of the 18th-century pipe organ, the country’s biggest Filipino-Spanish baroque organ which was restored in 1998 and premiered in the inaugural San Agustin music fest in 1999.

Taking center stage in this year’s concert are Spanish lady organist Ana Aguado Rojo and Philippine Philharmonic Orchestra principal clarinetist Ariel Sta. Ana who will both perform in the three evening concerts.

According to San Agustin Museum director Fr. Pedro Galende, this year’s concert series is doubly special because it marks the festival’s 10^th anniversary and the first time to feature a lady organist.

The concert opens on November 25 with Ms. Rojo’s rendition of rare 16^th-century Spanish organ pieces, Mr. Sta. Ana’s Concerto No. 3 by Carl Stamitz, and the world-renowned Philippine Madrigal Singers under choirmaster Mark Anthony Carpio interpreting classical well-loved choral works.

Ms. Rojo and Mr. Sta. Ana return on November 26 with mostly Baroque organ and clarinet music, to be followed by the award-winning Kilyawan Boys Choir, singing under the baton of Mark Anthony Carpio.

The Festival draws to a close on November 27 with a powerhouse performance of Beethoven’s regal Ninth Symphony (Ode to Joy) by the Philippine Philharmonic Orchestra under Maestro Ruggero Barbieri. Featured soloists are soprano Rachelle Gerodias, New York-based Filipino baritone Andrew Fernando, Italian tenor Gian Luca Pasolini and Italian alto Simona Forni. Joining the Philippine Madrigal Singers, are other Madz et. al choirs - Coro de Sta. Cecilia, Coro Animo, College of the Immaculate Conception Chorale, and Maryknoll Sanctuary Choir.

The 11th San Agustin International Music Festival is sponsored by the Embassy of Spain, Agencia Española Cooperación Internaciónal para el Desarollo, Instituto Cervantes, National Commission for Culture and the Arts, Cultural Center of the Philippines, Embassy of the Republic of Italy in the Philippines, DZFE 98.7 The Master’s Touch, Traders Hotel Manila, Philippine Italian Association, L’Incontro Ristorante Italiano, KLM Royal Dutch Airlines, Department of Tourism, and the Friends of San Agustín Museum.

For more information about the event, contact San Agustin Museum at (632) 526-6793 to 94 or 527-4060 to 61, or email samuseum@zpdee.net.

Travel Market Exchange (Tramex)

The National Association of Independent Travel Agencies (NAITAS), which has 17 provincial and city chapters nationwide, held the first Travel Market Exchange (Tramex) in Clark, Pampanga last November 6, 2009.

The one-day event, which was dubbed Tramex North Philippines Edition 2009, succeeded to establish good working partnerships among local buyers, sellers and local travel agents and even foreign buyers from Malaysia, Singapore and India. Aside from doing business, NAITAS members had a chance to mingle with fellow members from Subic, Clark and Laoag.

The Tramex included seminars on Meetings, Incentives, Conventions and Exhibitions; Product Development; and Tour Destinations Marketing. Tramex paved the way to promote new products and packages from regional travel agencies, enabling them to expand their business by bringing allied partners closer to them.

A total of 300 buyers and sellers, 20 of whom came from Singapore and Malaysia, attended the event.

At the launch were Clark International Airport Corp. (CIAC) president and CEO Victor Luciano, Metro Angeles Chamber of Commerce and Hotel and Restaurant Association of Pampanga president Marco Nepomuceno, Clark Freeport Tourism Association president Philip Golding, Pamela Flores of the Angeles City Tourism Office (Acto); Acto senior tourism operations officer Edeline Angeles-Gozom, Naitas Bulacan chapter president Evangeline Buenaventura, Naitas Bosz (Bataan, Olongapo, Subic, Zambales) president Rosee Lee, CDC Tourism Office manager Noemi Garcia, and Greater Clark Visitors Bureau president Jun Cruz.

Tramex was supported by the Department of Tourism, Philippine Tourism Authority, Clark Development Corp., Subic Bay Metropolitan Authority, CIAC, Pagcor and Holiday Inn Clark.

For more information on NAITAS, you may contact them at (632) 523-8375 or (632) 524-4768, e-mail at naitas_association@yahoo.com, or visit their website at http://www.naitas.org.ph.

Philippines Celebrated International Year of Natural Fibers with International Arts and Crafts Expo

In celebration of the United Nation’s Declaration of 2009 as the International Year of Natural Fibers, the Philippines hosted the 2nd Association of Southeast Asian Nation (ASEAN) Handicraft Promotion and Development Associations (AHPADA) International Arts and Crafts Expo last October 26 - 28, 2009 at the Philippine Trade Training Center in Pasay City.

Organized by the Department of Agriculture, the event carried the theme, “Weaves of the World”, which aims to showcase the natural fibers of the world. Through this year’s theme, the event aims to focus more on the advancing interest in the fiber arts, its resources, services, and its crafts.

Eighteen countries showcased the arts and crafts of their country through creative displays in their respective pavilions. Participating countries include China, India, Japan, Korea, Nepal, Nigeria, South Africa, Sri Lanka, Tunisia, Maldives, Mongolia., Malaysia, Singapore, Thailand, Philippines, Australia, India, France, Sweden, United Kingdom, and United States of America.

Aside from the exhibit of natural fiber products, the event was highlighted with a fashion show of ethnic designs and motifs, and presentations of traditional dances and music and arts. Special sessions were held during the event which dealt with the creation of a competitive business environment for the industry, market opportunities on natural fibers, global trends, and the revival of the ethnic Philippine textile industry.

The 2nd AHPADA International Arts and Crafts Expo is co-organized by the Philippine Tourism Authority, Department of Trade and Industry, Department of Foreign Affairs, Duty Free Philippines, National Commission for Culture and the Arts, and the Philippine Amusement and Gaming Corporation (PAGCOR).

The event is sponsored by Ambiance by Pido (Official Event Stylist), XFM 92.3, Fiber Industry Development Authority, Cebu Pacific, Manila Bulletin, Business Mirror and PLDT-SME Nation.

For more information about the event, contact the AHPADA Secretariat at (632) 392-7550, 832-0996, fax (632) 834-2994, email: aphadaexpo@yahoo.com, or visit the event website at http://www.ahpadaexpo.com/

Runners Worldwide Joined Subic International Marathon

Runners from all over the Philippines and other countries took part in ‘the most prestigious marathon in the Philippines’ – the Second Subic International Marathon 2009 held last October 24 – 25, 2009 at the Subic-Clark-Tarlac Expressway (SCTEx).

Presented by Smart and managed by E-ventologist Co., the race aims to outnumber and outperform all marathons in the country with a targeted number of 10,000 runners who will vie for over Php1.6M in prizes.

But the event exceeded its target 10,000 runners participating in the 3k, 5k, 10k, 21k and full marathon 42-kilometer run. More than 100 foreign runners from Singapore, China, Korea, Malaysia, Australia, USA, Taiwan, Thailand, and Kenya.

700 participants joined the 42k run which started at the Floridablanca Exit of SCTEx in the late afternoon. More than a thousand runners joined in the 21k category billed as “Achievement Run for our Uniformed Men” . Another thousand for the 10km events, which also served as the Nike + Virtual Human Race, and over 2,000 runners took part in the 5k and 3k fun run.

In the end, Kenyan runner dominated the men’s and women’s category. Finishing first for the me’s category was Kenyan runner Vincent Kipchirchir Chepsiror clocked in at 2:27:54 and received $5,000.00. He was followed by 7 other Kenyans, finishing the race with places. At ninth place and the top Filipino finisher is Hernanie Sore, 25 years old and a former member of the Philippine steeplechase team. He timed in at 2:40:20. He was followed by another Filipino, Alquin Bolivar with 2:40:42.

Kenya’s Doreen Kitaka won the $5,000 top prize in the women’s event by clocking 3:01:12. Filipina Aileen Tolentino took home third place with 3:29:01.

The 2nd Subic International Marathon 2009 is co-presented by Philippine National Police, SCTEx, Presidential Anti-Graft Commission, Manila North Tollway Corporation, The Lighthouse Marina Resort, Bases Conversion Development Authority, Subic Bay Metropolitan Authority, Nike, Christ Sports, Timex , Sam Miguel Beer, Burlington BioFresh, RUNNR, Subic Holiday Villas, Sports Armour, Toby’s Sports, Rotary International, Tsoko Nut Batirol, Pocari Sweat, Subic Bay, Second Wind, Dusit Thani Hotel, SportAde, Isuzu, Outback Steakhouse, Novellino Wines, NutriBar, Growers, TRX, Burger King, and Columbia Sportswear Company.

The media partners for this event are ABS-CBN, IBC13, Business World, Business Mirror, Manila Bulletin, The Philippine Star, MTV Philippines, NBN-4, Jam 88.3, Wave 89.1, Magic 89.9, 99.5RT, 103.5 MaxFM, Action and Fitness Magazine, and UNTV 37.

For more information about the event, contact E-ventologist the JAPA Bldg. at 2256 Chino Roces Ave. Makati City, or call 5839893, 0928-6009930, 0928-7602834 or 0918-9104565. Visit the event website at http://www.subicinternationalmarathon.com/

Philippine Yoga Asana Championship 2009

The 2nd Philippine Yoga Asana Championships (PYAC) was held at the Carlos P. Romulo Auditorium, 4/F RCBC Plaza, Makati last October 25, 2009.

The goal of the event was to bring yoga to the national consciousness by making more people aware of all the benefits — physical, mental, emotional — that can come from practicing yoga. At the same time, it also highlighted the possibility that “competition” can also take the form where all the competitors are cheering for one another and urging each other to reach their potential and go beyond.

Participants who joined the competition were required to complete 2 registration forms from the PYAC website, the Entry Form and the Waiver & Release of Liability Form.

Adhering to the rules and regulations set out by the organizing committee of the International Yoga Asana Championship, participants were also required to furnish a photo ID, proof of age and proof of residency together with the 2 forms. The duly completed and signed registration documents were then submitted to the Bikram Yoga Manila Office thru Tristan Choa, PYAC Chairman.

The Adult Division championship, which was divided into men and women categories, was open to all individuals 18 years and older. There was also a Youth Division category for younger participants. However, there were no separate categories for yoga teachers and students.

Foreigners using tourist visas were not eligible to compete. Other restrictions were: female contestants must not be pregnant, no contestant can participate as a judge at any regional championship and stimulating drugs or alcoholic beverages must not be used before or during the championship. The Committee reserved the full right to suspend a competitor at any time.

Participants were given 3 minutes to perform a set of required poses (“asana”), plus 2 more advanced poses. For this year, the five required asanas were:

1. Dandayamana Janusirasana (Standing-Head-to-Knee)
2. Dandayamana Dhanurasana (Standing Bow Pulling Pose)
3. Dhanurasana (Bow Pose)
4. Sasangasana (Rabbit Pose)
5. Pashcimottanasana (Stretching Pose)

Using standardized judging criteria, the competitors were given scores based on balance, strength, poise, stability, flexibility, gracefulness and appropriate use of the time to finish the pose as they performed their routine.

Optional postures were judged on the degree of difficulty and performance. Points were deducted for imbalance and/or instability. Postures in performances exceeding 3 minutes were considered incomplete and disqualified.

First and second place winners in the championship were eligible to compete at the Annual International Yoga Asana Championship Finals in Los Angeles, CA. The third place finisher was designated as an alternate competitor.

For the audience who watched the competition proper, tickets were sold for Php 300 at Bikram Yoga Manila and at the event entrance.

The event was for the benefit of A Child’s DREAM Foundation, Baguio City’s first pediatric rehabilitative center for special children. Children from Pampanga to Kalinga Apayao and Abra with disabilities such as cerebral palsy, autism or Down syndrome come to the place for treatment.

Presented by Bikram Yoga Manila and Pru Life UK, the 2nd PYAC was sponsored by the Inquirer, Manila Bulletin, and The Philippine Star.

For more information, visit the official website at http://www.philippineyogachampionship.com or e-mail info@philippineyogachampionship.com.

International Marathon To Benefit Pasig River Rehabilitation

The historic Pasig River will be the main beneficiary of the staging of the Philippine International Marathon: A Run for the Pasig River scheduled on November 8, 2009 at the Quirino Grandstand in Luneta Park, Manila.

Co-presented by ABS-CBN Foundation, and IZOD, in partnership with the Department of Environment and Natural Resources through the Pasig River Rehabilitation Commission (PRRC) in cooperation with Rexona, and the Department of Tourism, the event aims to promote awareness regarding the degrading state of the river and gather funds to aid in its rehabilitation. The said rehabilitation includes the relocation of the remaining 800 families living along the riverbanks.

The marathon is open to all runners six years old and above, amateur or professional. The race will begin at Quirino Grandstand and cover the major streets of Metro Manila, passing through eight bridges, including Del Pan, Jones, MacArthur, Ayala and Makati-Mandaluyong. Participants may choose to take part in the 3K, 5K, 10K, or the 42K individual or relay category. Cash prizes are in store for the top 10 finishers in the full marathon.

Participation fee is P250.00. Registration forms are available at kapitbisigilogpasig.multiply.com and to be submitted at the following registration outlets:

REGISTRATION OUTLETS	ADDRESS
Kapit Bisig para sa Ilog Pasig	3/F ELJ Building, Mother Ignacia Ave., Quezon City
ABS-CBN Foundation, Inc. Head Office	Mother Ignacia Ave., Quezon City (Guard House)
IZOD Boutiques	SM City North Edsa, SM Mall of Asia, The Podium, Trinoma, Ayala Center Cebu, Robinson’s Place – Manila, Gateway Mall
Van Heusen Boutiques	SM Megamall, SM Southmall, Gateway Mall, Greenhills, The Shop, Shangri-La Mall, Market! Market!
Gold’s Gym	Glorietta, Makati, Alabang, Robinson’s Galleria, Ortigas, Wilsons Greenhills
R.O.X Running Store	Bonifacio High Street, The Fort, Taguig City
Second Wind	88 Maginhawa St., Teacher’s Village, Quezon City
Race Inc.,	Vasquez Madrigal Bldg. No. 55 Annapolis St., San Juan , Metro Manila

The Philippine International Marathon: A Run for the Pasig River is sponsored by Van Heusen, Gold's Gym, Gatorade, and Goldilocks Bakeshop, and the following media partners: ABS-CBN, ASAP '09, National Parks Development Committee, The Philippine Star, Manila Bulletin, Business World, People's Tonight, and People's Journal.

For more information, contact the Kapit Bisig Para sa Ilog Pasig at (632) 416-1911, 410-2753 to 55, 415-2272 local 3797 or email ilogpasig@asb-cbn.com, kapitbisigparasailogpasig@gmail.com.