"on a shoestring"

‘BONGGACIOS’ BATANG PINOY OPENING CEREMONIES

After more than a  decade of hiatus, Batang Pinoy Games is on and is now being held in Naga City. “Ang Maogmang Lugar” has been a perfect choice where to hold the National Finals as the city is ready to welcome hundreds of athletes, coaches, trainors and parents.

As I have the opportunity to witness every leg (except for Mindanao), I noticed that the kick-off program here in Naga is the best ever. Commissioner Joaquin “Chito” Loyzaga said that its a tough act to beat. Forgive me for the gay linggo but I would like to describe the opening program as “BONGGACIOUS” (did I spelled it right?).

PSC, DILG & DepEd worked together

DILG Sec. Jesse Robredo, Naga City Mayor John Bongat & PSC Comm. Chito Loyzaga

Here in Naga, the locals know that there is Batang Pinoy Games happening. This is because the City Mayor, Hon. John Bonggat and DILG Sec. Robredo joined their hands together with the DepEd in the planning and organizing of the National Finals of Batang Pinoy. It is obvious that the city is ready to accept the young athletes from all over the country with their warmest SMILES. I was eating with the rest of the media team and the carinderia where we ate knows that there is a national games being held. Some friends of mine from Naga City also knew about the games even without me telling them. For that, good job Mayor John and the rest of the team!

PARADE OF ATHLETES

The Opening Ceremonies started with a parade around Plaza Quezon where everyone in the city could notice and there are bands and majorettes performing before every group of delegation. The athletes are ready and excited to show their talents and compete with each other.

What made this Opening Ceremony a blast was the special numbers by the Camarines Sur National High School Students. It was performance at its best and you can really feel the genuine joy of the kids while dancing to the beat of the drums.

Also part of the program was the Lightning of the Torch by no other than the pride of Naga, Chris Canlas, member of the Philippine Baseball Team which won the gold medal in the recent SEA Games in Indonesia. The program was capped off by a fireworks display and the unveiling of the People Power Monument near Plaza Quezon in honor of the late President Corazon Aquino.

Chris Canlas, Philippine Team- Baseball. Gold medalist 2011 SEA Games

People Power Monument unveiling

More photos can be viewed on my Facebook page: www.facebook.com/journeyingjamesFB- 

Batang Pinoy Opening Ceremonies Album 1 and Album 2. Tag your photos!

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Batang Pinoy Games 2011  is a grass-roots development program organized by the Philippine Sports Commission (PSC) to identify young talents to be trained for the national pool of athletes.

“Our goal is to use the event to identify talents for the World Youth Olympics in 2014. This would also give the out-of-school youths the avenue to display their talents in a nationwide tournament.”– Commissioner Joaquin “Chito” Loyzaga

Batang Pinoy seeks to instill the values of discipline, teamwork, camaraderie, unity, solidarity, competitiveness and fair play through a comprehensive sports development program for in-school and out-of-school children 15 years old and below.

Official website: Batang Pinoy 2011

Facebook Page: Batang Pinoy (PSC Grassroots Program)