"on a shoestring"

So I am here right now in Bacolod City to cover the Philippine National Games 2011 (PNG) organized by the PSC-POC (Philippine Sports Commission – Philippine Olympic Committee). I believe I’m one of the three bloggers in the more than 30 media personnel and I’m kinda lost of what to do as this is my first time to cover such kind of event.

Event tarp that welcomed me when I arrived at the Bacolod-Silay Airport

Almost Php30-million budget

What excites me the most is that of learning new things and trying to do live blogging. A perfect practice for my travel adventure in Mindanao on June. Anyway, I attended the presscon yesterday and the only thing I remembered is that they have almost Php30million budget for this. Too big or too small for such an event? I don’t know. But one thing I know these would help our national athletes in showcasing their talents. This is a perfect venue to demonstrate the fruit of their hard works in the gym. This also I want to write during this series.

On the presidential table during the presscon at Grand Regal Hotel: Col. Jeff Tamayo; Hon. Joaquin Loyzaga; Hon. Gillian Akiko Guevara; Hon. Jose Luis Gomez; Hon. Puentevella; Hon. Steve Hontiveros & Mr. Michael Barredo

Younghusbands joined the Fun Run

James and Phil Younghusband getting ready at the starting line

Just this morning, the PNG was kicked-off with a fun run that started at the New Bacolod City Center. I was planning to join the 5K run but woke up 30 minutes late. My bad! Out of frustration, I did a solo 5K run at the Provincial Capitol grounds. Btw, for the Younghusbands fans out there, they joined the run too! But I want to highlight more the para-athletes who joined and finished the event. Way to go guys! You are an inspiration to many.

I think they deserve more cheers and support than the Younghusbands.

For the 26th SEA Games

The National Games is attended by more than 3,000 rising athletes. These competitors will give their best as the results of this will affect our delegation to the upcoming 26th SEA Games in Indonesia come November.  Games are in session at Bacolod City, Bago City, Talisay City and Silay City until May 29, 2011. Among the 36 events are Athletics, Gymnastics, Softball, Beach Volleyball, Wind Surfing, Canoe/Kayak, Cycling and Triathlon.

This series will be exciting!!!

Following are the stories of the events I covered so far:

Fencing: An Underrated Event

Archery: Small But Terrible Gabby Moreno

Canoe/Kayak: Interview with the Gold Medalists

Billiards: Amateurs meet the Masters

Volleyball Girls: Cebu’s Unexpected Victory Over La Salle Bacolod

Gymnastics: The Next Football?

Official Results:

Philippine National Games Official Results (May 27)

Philippine National Games Official Results (May 26)

Philippine National Games Official Results (May 22-25)

You can also check the Official PNG website for updates and results.

**Photos of the Younghusbands and the para-athletes are lifted from PSC Facebook Page.

____ ____ ____

Philippine National Games 2011 Series is a break from my usual running event posts. The series will highlight stories behind every sports represented as well as athletes who display big potential in their own field. My gratitude goes to PSC Commissioner Jolly Gomez, Sir Lito Cinco and Ms. Mylene Conception for the opportunity to cover such a big event. Mabuhay po kayo pati narin ang PSC at POC!