ColorManila’s newly updates CM Challenge Manila set at McKinley West on June 3, 2018

Karylle at a recent ColorManila CM Challenge Run

PRESS RELEASE

23 MAY 2018 – MANILA – The Philippines’ number one fun run organizer ColorManila is all set for the newly updated CM Challenge Manila co-presented by Honda Philippines. It will be held at McKinley West in The Fort, Bonifacio Global City, Taguig City, on June 3, 2018.

ColorManila’s most recent event in Metro Manila, the CM Blacklight Run held in January 2018 saw 5,000 runners brighten the streets of McKinley West and for the upcoming event, the organizers are anticipating around the same number of participants. Among the Filipino celebrities who recently participated in the CM Challenge Manila is singer-TV host-actress Karylle Tatlonghari-Yuzon, who is mononymously known as Karylle.

Participants can look forward to 20 new obstacles while running the 5k route, such as inflatable slides, spider maze, inflatable tire skip and military crawl obstacles, among others. While going through the various challenges, runners can listen to the latest music.

“We’ve updated the CM Challenge Run to make it more exciting by adding more challenges in the 5K route,” ColorManila VP Justine Cordero said. “CM Challenge Manila is a perfect mix of both a fun run and an obstacle course run, and yes, it is still capped by our CM Festival.”

“But this time, it will be continuous, there will be a CM Festival which would take place every hour, so if you’ve joined the first wave, there’s no need to wait until the final wave to finish,” Cordero added. “Our followers will surely enjoy this newly updated version of the CM Challenge Run.”

There are three types of race kits and packages to choose from. The Single Kit, which is at 1,500 pesos, includes the event shirt, race bib, single entry tag, finisher’s medal, sunglasses, baller ID and a color packet while the Unlimited Kit, which is priced at 2,500 pesos, includes an event shirt, race bib, unlimited entry tag, finisher’s medal, sunglasses, baller ID and a color packet.

The Squad Package is priced at 6,000 pesos. It includes event shirts, race bibs, single entry tags, finishers’ medals, sunglasses, baller IDs, color packets and passes good for five people.

Registration is still ongoing. For more information, visit www.colormanila.com for more details.

Optical Media Board supports #PlayItRight

The Optical Media Baord (OMB) partners with Globe for its anti-piracy advocacy #PlayItRight. The OMB is led by (2nd to the right) its Chair & CEO Atty. Anselmo B. Adriano together with (rightmost) OMB Executive Director Atty. Victor Padilla II. They are joined by (second to the left) Globe Senior Vice President for Content Business Nikko Acosta and Senior Vice President for Corporate Communications, Yoly Crisanto. 

PRESS RELEASE

The Optical Media Board (OMB) expressed recently its full support to the #PlayItRight anti-piracy advocacy of Globe Telecom by helping educate the general public against malware, cyber security threats and access to illegal digital content and torrent sites.

Globe President and CEO Ernest Cu said that the support of OMB, a government agency dedicated to combat piracy, is a big boost to the #PlayItRight campaign. “We are grateful to OMB for recognizing our advocacy on anti-piracy. Our partnership will reinforce our educational drive against the illegal distribution of copy-righted content to a greater reach,” Cu explained.

“The internet has become the main source of almost all the copyright infringement content nowadays and we need all the help we can get.  We are encouraging the OMB to invite other stakeholders as well such as the cinemas to collaborate with our education drive to target the moviegoers,” Cu added.

OMB Chair & CEO Atty. Anselmo B. Adriano said that the biggest problem of OMB is the big market for pirated videos out there because people don’t know why they should not buy pirated materials. “In as much as we try to be creative in our enforcement and disrupt the distribution chain and the retail chain for pirated video, there is still a big market for it. This is why we need to target the market through education. This is the reason why we are partnering with other organizations and companies like Globe to push for more education,” Adriano exclaimed.

The OMB will also actively participate in the Digital Thumbprint Program (DTP) of Globe that teaches responsible use of the internet to children in public schools by including illegal downloading of illegal content online in the training module.

The OMB has been successful in curbing out pirated movies, music and software in DVDs nationwide and educating the public against illegal cam cording in cinemas through the years. The OMB is created pursuant to Republic Act No. 9239 under the Office of the President to regulate the production, use and distribution of optical and magnetic media in the country.

Having partnered with global and local content creators and distributors for its content business, Globe has taken an active role in promoting legitimate sources of online content. In 2017, the company launched the #PlayItRight advocacy to help the entertainment industry curb piracy and protect intellectual property rights.

Get a movie ticket for only 1 Globe Rewards point

Enjoy exciting prizes and exclusive merchandise every week with #OnePointSaturdays

Globe Rewards brings you #OnePointSaturdays! Every Saturday, starting May 19 to June 30, 2018, from 3-4PM only, Globe customers can redeem special items worth up to Php600 for just 1 Globe Rewards point. Customers can score the following special rewards for a limited period.

Special 1 point Offer	Offer Dates
1 Movie Ticket at the Ayala Malls Cinemas	May 19 & June 9
1 Special Marvel or Star Wars Collectible at Toys "R" Us	May 26 & June 16
1 Globe-exclusive Marvel or Star Wars Shirt at the Globe Stores	June 2 & June 23

Just head to the nearest Ayala Malls Cinemas, Globe Stores, or Toys "R" Us branches on the said dates, download the Globe Rewards app, scan the QR code at the stores, click "Redeem" and present the confirmation message to claim your rewards. Globe brand ambassadors will be there to help customers download and use the app to avail of the offer.

"Our customers have always been and will always be our main focus. We are grateful for their loyalty and Globe Rewards’ #OnePointSaturdays is our way of saying thank you to them for always using Globe," said Issa Guevarra-Cabreira, SVP Consumer Mobile Business.

With Globe Rewards, experience more of your passions and interests without having to go beyond your budget. Keep your eyes peeled for exciting #OnePointSaturdays offers by visiting globe.com.ph/rewards.

Fitness leaders, trainers convene to spur fitness growth and professionalism at FitCon MNL 2018

PRESS RELEASE

Fitness enthusiasts and professionals from around the Philippines and South East Asia came to FitCon MNL 2018 – a three-day fitness industry event held at Green Sun Makati from May 18 to 20.

The fitness convention – the biggest in the country to date – brought 16 industry leaders in fitness and wellness from around the globe. Through more than 60 interactive workshops, attendees learned about the latest in sport science, nutrition and client interaction to help them build successful careers in health and wellness.

Fitness icons and experts who shared their expertise with participants were:Merrithew™ Lead Instructor Trainer for STOTT PILATES® and Total Barre®Vivian Zapanta, author and diet coach to the stars Nadine Tengco, fitness educator Glenn Ang of Singapore, director of Australian Strength Performance Benjamin Siong, international performance coach Mark Laws, master trainer of Body Art Garnet Suidy, Zumba Education Specialist Prince Paltu-Ob, head of PILOXING Asia Connie Colson and COO of Powerhouse Fitness Club Tony Howett, among others.

Among the highlights of the convention was an Activity Zone that was open to the public where guests could join group exercise classes conducted by Master Trainers for BOSU®, TriggerPoint, Zumba, STOTT PILATES®, Hedstrom Fitness and bodyART.

An exhibit area surrounding the zone introduced experts and enthusiasts to some of the best health and fitness brands currently in the Philippine market. 

Now on its second year, the event was conceptualized and organized by Dynamic Duo Inc., a partnership between sports science professionals Rica Rodriguez and Divine Masinsin that aims to provide fitness education for individuals to become leaders in the field of fitness and sports training and empower coaches to achieve their maximum potential in their respective fields.

When asked what the impetus was to start FitCon MNL, Rica Rodriguez and Divine Masinsin shared that working in Dubai taught them the value of continuing education in the fitness industry. “We realized that there were a lot of other Filipino trainers coming in with 10, even 20 years of experience. But they often lacked certifications, and without that, they couldn’t be paid as much as others in the field. So we started FitCon MNL to help make fitness professionals from the Philippines globally competitive.”

Several delegates who come from Anytime Fitness – Mall of Asia attended the first run of the convention in 2017. When asked why they decided to attend this year’s FitCon MNL, they unanimously said, “We get to learn so much through this event. With speakers like Ben Siong [the director of Australia Strength Performance], we get updated on the latest in fitness, and that helps us with our jobs. It’s definitely helped give our branch an edge.”

Dan Duran, Executive Vice President of PTA Global, a global leadership and personal training development company from Denver, Colorado said he returned to the Philippines to speak at FitCon MNL because “It’s truly a pleasure to be back at FitCon MNL. Once again, it’s a very well-run convention full of hungry and passionate fitness professionals.” Commenting on FitCon MNL’s attendees, he said, “These trainers have it figured out; the more you learn the more you earn, and the better you can help people.”

Fitcon MNL 2018 is envisioned to be an annual event to spur the growth of fitness professionalism, fitness education and the industry.

‘Business of Football-Philippines' conference sets roadmap for growth of the sport in the country

 Almudena Gomez Benito, Ivan Codina, Ed Gastanes, Eric Gottschalk, Frank Saez

PRESS RELEASE

21 MAY 2018 - MANILA: The recent success of The Azkals, with their Asian Cup qualification, and their FIFA ranking at its highest at 111, has given football a renewed confidence, and a positive outlook in terms of the growth of the sport in the Philippines. 

Football is now tipped to become the fastest growing sport in the country, with the largest potential for success commercially, and in terms of on-pitch success.  The sport which is currently number 3 in the Philippines in terms of popularity and participation, after basketball and boxing, is said to be still further behind compared to other sports, such as volleyball, billiards, etc., in terms of TV coverage.

These were among the insights and trends gathered from top-notch executives of organizations such as AFC, PFF, PFL, LaLiga, Dentsu X, SMG Insight, Globe Telecom, RSportz, Toby Sports and Manila Times, at the ‘Business of Football - Philippines’, organized by MMC Sportz.  The sold-out event was attended by more than 185 local and foreign delegates on May 18, 2018 at the New World Makati Hotel. 

MMC Sports CEO Eric Gottschalk says, “Research in this market, shows that TV is still the number one platform here in the Philippines, and is the number one medium that advertisers are looking for, to spend their budgets on.  We also learned that live TV coverage actually stimulates stadium attendance, and not vice versa.  If there’s more football on TV, we will see more fans in the stadium.  Currently football is not ranked among the top 100 TV programmers in the Philippines and is only number 3 sport in terms of participation and popularity after basketball and boxing.  Football needs media in order to drive commercial revenues for the clubs.” 

“Now is also the perfect time to get involved in football since sponsorship and advertising opportunities are currently very affordable compared for example to basketball, but this is predicted to change within the next 6-12 months, as values are expected to increase sharply.  Football also needs to create more idols and heroes to attract more media coverage overall, other than just covering game scores. Each team has a unique story which just needs to be told,” says Gottschalk.

Following the presentation about the Philippines Football League (PFL) it was agreed that the PFL now fills the lack of regular created football content as the leagues matches (87 in 2018/19 season) contribute year-round stories to keep football in the news. In the past, the main talking points were around the Azkals which only play very few home matches each year.    

Public education about the game of football is also needed on all levels as many people in the Philippines are still not aware about the rules or aware of programs available like coaching academies, amateur competitions, or how and where to follow the professional league.  Ten thousand (10,000) qualified grassroots coaches are also needed to satisfy the local demand and to trigger strong football development and growths.

Investors on the other hand are looking for consistency and credibility of the football product but with the PFL in the second season and foreign sponsors expected to invest in the Philippines, local brands should consider to follow suit. 

On the sports retail side, only 1.5% of current retail sales are attributed to football, while basketball enjoys a healthy 46% market share. As a result, only limited line items and stocks are available in stores and entry level boots and replica jerseys are too high priced to be affordable for the average consumer.

The national player registration program, MY PFF, has been launched with the objective to collect vital statistics and data about the football community which is urgently needed to support the youth football development strategy of the PFF and to develop a players pathway.  As FIFA has mandated to register the estimated 1.5 million players in the Philippines, the PFF has urged organizers and players to already register online as by next month only registered players will be allowed to participate in sanctioned events.

The “Business of Football – Philippines” conference also announced 36 career opportunities related to sports and football, including positions in marketing, legal, competition management and coaching, with all these listing being available online with MMC Sportz or for direct inquiries with the PFF.

In his closing remarks, MMC Sportz CEO Eric M. Gottschalk stated that “More importantly, Don’t Break the 12th Man! It is important that all stakeholders don’t forget to engage with the fans. The fans are the most important aspect of the development of football in the Philippines – if there are no fans of football then there is no media, no spectators, no players, no games, no business. Everyone is required to ensure we keep the fans (football consumers) engaged year-long and the first step would be to get the media behind the game. There is a strong football - community out there already and hopefully, we the TV broadcasters will take another look at football and give them at least some consideration on the program schedule.

I believe today’s conference was a great success.  We brought the football community together, stimulated thinking, exchanged ideas and transferred a lot of knowledge. Now it is up to the football stakeholders to continue the progress.

From our end (and with the approval of the PFF) we will stage the 2nd edition of BOF early 2019 and hopefully we will be able to report on some of the changes initiated today.”  

Speakers who shared their insights include LaLiga Managing Director for South East Asia, Japan, Korean and Australia Ivan Codina, AFC Head of MA Services Domeka Garamendi, SMG Insight Managing Director Frank Saez, Azkals Team Manager Dan Palami, Globe Director for OIC, Citizenship and Advocacy Marketing Miguel Bermundo, PFL CEO Lazarus Xavier, PFF General Secretary Atty. Edwin Gastanes, Ignite Sports Group Managing Director Michael Reyes,  Asian Replica Designs Founder & Owner Jonathan Mallinson, Quorum Group President & COO Jose Claudio, Jr., Mediapro Asia Director of Sales and Sponsorship Salauddin Sinnakandu, and MMC Sportz Marketing CEO Eric Gottschalk.

Organized by MMC Sportz Asia, the event was sanctioned by the Asia Football Confederation (AFC) and the Philippines Football Federation (PFF), and sponsored by La Liga, Dentsu X, SMG Insight, RSportz, Globe Telecom, Toby’s Sports, Manila Times and Platinumlist.

Sacramento Kings’ Willie Cauley-Stein, WNBA’s Sheryl Swoopes are 2018 Jr NBA Philippines coaches

Willie Cauley-Stein (center), John Ramirez (first from the right)

PRESS RELEASE

NBA player Willie Cauley-Stein of the Sacramento Kings and former WNBA player Sheryl Swoopes are currently in the Philippines. The two basketball stars are among the coaches of the finalists of the 2018 Jr. NBA Philippines.

The National Training Camp presented by Alaska featuring 75 boys and girls aged 10 to 14 will be conducted at the Don Bosco Technical Institute in Makati City, Metro Manila on May 19, 2018. It will be conducted at the SM Mall of Asia Music Hall at the SM Mall of Asia Arena in Pasay City, Metro Manila on May 20, 2018.

As coaches at the Jr. NBA Alumni All-Star Game, Cauley-Stein and Swoopes will help identify the top eight boys and eight girls to be named as 2018 Jr. NBA Philippines All-Stars. The 2018 All-Stars will travel to Shanghai, China in October 2018 to attend NBA China Games 2018 featuring the Philadelphia 76ers and the Dallas Mavericks.

“Filipinos are among the most passionate basketball fans in the world and I’m eager to work with these dedicated young players who have earned the right to be chosen as Jr. NBA All-Stars,” Cauley-Stein said. “I’m excited to share my basketball knowledge and help the kids become the best version of themselves on and off the court.”

“Participating in sports and having proper nutrition are both integral parts of a child’s holistic development as it touches on physical, emotional and mental well-being,” Swoopes said. “Through the Jr. NBA program, I look forward to this opportunity to contribute to our goal of getting more kids, especially girls, to play the game of basketball and help them understand how working hard on their craft in the same way it opened doors for my career, can unlock greater opportunities in life.”

Cauley-Stein, selected sixth overall in the 2015 NBA Draft, was named to the NBA All-Rookie Second Team in 2016.  He averaged 12.8 points, 7 rebounds, and 2.4 assists with the Kings this season.

Swoopes is a four-time WNBA Champion, six-time WNBA All-Star, three-time WNBA MVP and an Olympic gold medalist.  Named as part of the WNBA’s Top 15 Players of All Time, Swoopes spent 12 seasons in the WNBA with the Houston Comets, Seattle Storm and Tulsa Shock prior to being inducted into the Naismith Memorial and Women’s Basketball Hall of Fame in 2016 and 2017 respectively.

The National Training Camp finalists were selected from Regional Selection Camps in Bacolod, Baguio City, Butuan and Metro Manila, and from the Alaska Power Camps in Manila and Subic. The search for the 2018 Coaches of the Year will also conclude at the National Training Camp, and the winning coaches will take part in the NBA experience trip with the Jr. NBA All-Stars.

Celebrate Mother’s Day in BGC!

It’s your day, have it your way, Mom!

What: Mom’s the Word, an extra sweet celebration of Mother’s Day

When: May 12, 2018

Where: Bonifacio High Street

Once a mom, forever a mom so whether you’re new to motherhood or have been doing it a while, being a mom deserves to be celebrated!

This Mother’s Day weekend, enjoy a sugar rush of sweet-filled activities as BGC transforms Bonifacio High Street Activity Center into a wonderland of food trucks and fun games, a one-stop workshop station featuring arts, beauty, and food, and a shopping haven of exclusive Mommy-merch and special deals for you and the whole family.

Held in partnership with lifestyle network TLC, the event is free and open to the public. A Mommy Summit is happening too, with talks on Mompreneurship, motivation, and empowerment cos once in a while, it’s good to hear from other supermamas how to do it.

If you’re more of the foodie Mom, The Gourmand Market is having a special Mother’s Day run from May 11-13 at C1 Park, Central Square. Meanwhile, McCormick invited chefs for a day of cooking demos, a food sale, and sampling at Bonifacio High Street Amphitheater. 

  

Nothing beats a day with mom so head on over to BGC today! More details at www.facebook.com/BoniHighStreet. See you there BGCitizens!

#iloveBHS #BHSSummer 

Foreign teams, organizers impressed with Filipino crowds, hosting of FIVB World Tour Manila Open

Ayumi Kusano, Takemi Nishibori

PRESS RELEASE

The Philippines proved to the world that it can host a magnitude of an event such as the FIVB Beach Volleyball World Tour Manila Open.

   

Beach Volleyball Republic co-founder Charo Soriano was delighted that as first-time hosts, the country was able to hold a successful international beach volleyball tournament. 

   

"I'm very much humbled and very happy. It's was very fulfilling to see the number of people watching and the amount of support that we are getting for beach volleyball -- not only for the Philippine team but even for other athletes as well," said Soriano. 

   

Playing in front of a big appreciative crowd that packed Sands SM By The Bay, Japan’s Ayumi Kusano and Takemi Nishibori won their first World Tour women's gold medal following a quick 21-14, 21-18 conquest of Spain’s Maria Belen Carro and Paula Soria in the final.

   

Germany’s Max-Jonas Karpa and Milan Sievers also snatched their first-ever FIVB World Tour men's gold, beating Russia's Petr Bakhnar and Taras Myskiv in come-from-behind fashion, 15-21, 23-21, 15-9.

   

Filipino fans were treated to and spoiled with world-class beach volleyball action in the four-day, one-star tournament.    

   

"Hopefully this is the start. This can be the catalyst for what we really want, which is beach volleyball to be here in the Philippines. And it’s a sport for the masses talaga. A sport that people can enjoy and that everybody can learn to love as well," Soriano said.

   

Among the four Filipina pairs that competed, Sisi Rondina and Dzi Gervacio advanced the most, making it to the quarterfinals. Meanwhile, reigning BVR national champions Karen Quilario and Lot Catubag secured a round-of-12 spot and were just a point away from advancing to the top eight. Both feats, Soriano considered to be a breakthrough for the sport in the country. 

   

The Filipinas defied tremendous odds - especially with Rondina and Gervacio beating much taller and experienced pairs from the United States and Canada, and Quilario and Catubag, who pushed reigning Asian U19 champions Thailand to three extended sets before losing in a valiant effort.

   

"It's a very momentous event, this one," said Soriano, who herself competed along with Bea Tan. "First, because a lot of the Philippine teams really didn't have programs prior to this event. We have BVR, we have regional tours, we have national championships. But in terms of having a proper national training pool program, it's still non-existent. But despite that, we were able to garner wins in the first-ever FIVB tournament that we are entering as national team. 

   

"Napakasaya po kasi we are very proud of the rest of the Philippine delegation. Even though our men's teams didn't really win, you can really see that they were competent. They were competitive." 

   

The FIVB World Tour is a good gauge for those vying for slots in future beach volleyball tournaments like next year's Southeast Asian Games that the Philippines is hosting. 

   

Soriano thanked Larong Volleyball sa Pilipinas Inc. acting president Peter Cayco and secretary-general Ricky Palou for their support and overseeing the event. The event is supported by Dataland, Dataland Residentials, The Olive Place, Rebisco, Creamline, Globe, Maynilad, Gatorade, Tryp and Hotel 101.

   

"We just need the proper support and of course, continous programs in time for SEA Games next year. That's really the goal and that's why we wanted to push for an international tournament as well in preparation for next year's SEA Games," said Soriano. 

   

With the way the Manila Open has turned out, another one-star tournament in the coming years is not far fetched.

   

"For sure, it won't be the last," said Soriano. "Being the first-time hosts and speaking as an organizer, we had setbacks as well, we had problems, but nothing that teamwork cannot fix."

The event is promoted by E-Plus Global Sdn Bhd and organized by Beach Volleyball Republic Inc.

Japan defeats Spain, wins gold in women’s division of FIVB World Tour Manila Open; Paraguay takes bronze

Ayumi Kusano, Takemi Nishibori

Japan's Ayumi Kusano and Takemi Nishibori put up a dominant performance over Spain's Paula Soria and Maria Belen Carro, 21-14, 21-18, to claim the gold medal in the FIVB Beach Volleyball World Tour Manila Open yesterday at the Sands SM By The Bay. 

     

After the Spaniards saved three match points, Nishibori delivered the championship kill from a sublime Kusano and completed a perfect 6-0 campaign in the tournament organized by the Beach Volleyball Republic.

     

"So happy. Perfect," Kusano said. 

     

Japan overcame Spain's height advantage with its speed and superb sand court coverage to claim the $1,000 top prize.

     

"We used our brains," said Kusano, who also won the Spike for Peace invitational championship at the Philsports Arena three years ago     

     

Paraguay's Erika Bobadilla and Michelle Amarilla meanwhile got a big bounce back after missing the semis in Langkawi last week, winning the bronze at the expense of the other Japanese team made up of Tanaka Shinako and Fujii Sakurako, 21-17, 21-16.

     

It was Paraguay's first-ever medal in the FIVB World Tour, and Bobadilla and Amarilla will head back to South America with a lot of great Manila memories.

     

"Well, we finished fifth (in Langkawi) so this was a lot better because we made it to the semifinals. Playing the last game I think is one of the best things for every player. You are so prepared mentally coming to a tournament. Playing in three days, four days or five days," said Bobadilla. 

     

The top-ranked duo, Bobadilla and Amarilla simply enjoyed playing in front of an appreciative Filipino audience and were simply awed by the high-level of international beach volleyball attendance.

     

"We loved Manila. We were so easily adjusted here. Having people being supportive for us is really, really great for us," Bobadilla added.

     

Earlier, Kusano and Nishibori defeated Shinako and Sakurako in an all-Japan women's semifinal, 21-13, 21-16, while Soria and Carro fashioned out a 21-16, 21-15 victory over Bobadilla and Amarilla in the other pairing.     

     

In the men’s division, Russia's Peter Bakhnar and high-serving Taras Myskiv arranged a gold medal showdown with Germany's Max-Jonas Karpa and Milan Sievers, posting contrasting wins in the semifinals.

     

Bakhnar and Myskiv, who came all away from last Thursday's qualifiers, outlasted brothers Alejandro and Javier Huerta of Spain, 21-18, 17-21, 20-18, while Karpa and Sievers swept Switzerland's Michiel Zandbergen and Gabriel Kisling, 21-17, 21-16.  

     

The Philippines' debut in the one-star tournament saw Sisi Rondina and Dzi Gervacio making it to the quarterfinals, and reigning BVR national champions Karen Quilario and Lot Catubag in the round. Other Filipina bets were DM Demontaño and Jackie Estoquia, and Charo Soriano and Bea Tan.

The event is promoted by E-Plus Global Sdn Bhd and organized by Beach Volleyball Republic Inc.

Sisi Rondina, Dzi Gervacio last Filipinas standing in FIVB Beach Volleyball World Tour Manila Open

Dzi Gervacio, Sisi Rondina

PRESS RELEASE

Sisi Rondina and Dzi Gervacio became the last Filipina pair standing in the FIVB Beach Volleyball World Tour Manila Open, which is promoted by E-Plus Global Sdn Bhd and organized by Beach Volleyball Republic Inc. This was after a 21-17, 21-17 conquest of Canada's Caleigh Cruickshank and Megan Nagy in the round-of-12 on May 5, 2018 at the Sands SM By The Bay in Pasay City, Metro Manila, Philippines.

     

With modest expectations of playing well against international, battle-tested sand court veterans, Gervacio was satisfied things went with her maiden partnership with Rondina in the one-star tournament.

     

"Ako, hindi ko talaga inii-expect na malayo ang mararating namin, na aabot kami ng Day 2 (I personally did not expect that we will get this far, that we will reach Day 2) kasi, ako (because I) personally, I haven't trained internationally and I know for a fact na matatangkad ang kalaban natin (that our opponents are tall),” said Gervacio, one of Beach Volleyball Republic’s co-founders. "But from the get-go, noong nakalaban namin ang USA, alam ko may pag-asa tayo (when we fought against the USA team, I knew we had hope)."

     

Rondina and Gervacio compensated for the size disadvantage with solid defense in the sand and by playing smart.

       

It was Rondina and Gervacio's second win in the one-star tournament following the 21-12, 21-16 conquest of the United States' Lindsey Fuller and Kaley Melville at the women's main draw opener on May 5, 2018. The duo somehow avenged the loss of their fellow Filipina bets Charo Soriano and Bea Tan to their Canadian opponents, 12-21, 15-21, in the losers' bracket on the same day that eliminated them in the tournament.

       

Earlier, the Philippines' other remaining hope, Lot Catubag and Karen Quilario of the PNP, bowed out after a heartbreaking 34-36, 23-25, 15-17 loss to Thailand's Thatsarida Singchuea and Pawarun Chanthawichai. Catubag and Quilario were in match point late in the second frame and twice in the deciding set, but the pair from Tagum could not close out against the young Thai duo, the newly-minted Asian U19 beach volleyball champions.

     

"More teamwork and more practice," Quilario said after the match. After Thailand went at match point, the Philippines needed a medical timeout as Catubag went down with cramps.

Eventually, Quilario returned to the sand. However, the Thais were able to complete the kill in the tournament's most exciting match that sent every set to extension.

     

If given the chance to play more FIVB World Tour events outside the country, the reigning two-time Beach Volleyball Republic national champions are willing to join to gain more experience. Quilario said, "Gusto naming maglaro kahit saan para exposure na rin (We want to play anywhere to gain more exposure).”

     

"Kung bibigyan kami ng pagkakataon, iga-grab namin ang opportunity na maglaro ng ganitong level (If given the chance, we will grab the opportunity to play in this level),” Catubag added. “Maraming gustong maglaro pero bihira lang ang magbigyan ng pagkakataon sa ganitong competition (Many want to play but only a few are given the opportunity to play in competitions like this)."

       

In other round of 12 matches, Germany's Lisa-Sophie Kotzan and Leonie Klinke prevailed over The Netherlands Katja Stam and Lisa Wouters, 21-11, 21-19, while the United States' Lindsey Fuller and Kaley Melville beat Norway's Janne Pedersen and Hanne Zylstra, 21-15, 21-17.

     

Men's round-of-12 action saw Spain's Javier and Alejandro Huerta upset Martin Appelgren and Simon Boman of top-seed Sweden, 24-22, 21-15, to make it to the quarters. Felix Friedl and Maximillian Trummer defeated Jorg Wutzl and Simon Fruhbauer in an all-Austrian duel, 23-21, 21-19.

Russia's Petr Bakhnar and Taras Myskivsurge passed Chinese Taipei Wang Chin-Ju and Hsieh Ya-Jen, 21-14, 21-8. Australia's Marcus Fegurson and Tom Dickson swept Hong Kong's Kevib Lau Tsz Ho and Wong Pui Lam, 21-15, 21-15.