160-km Freedom March Resumes to Honor Heroes and Commemorate History

 

Descendants of our World War II Filipino and US veterans along with military personnel, representatives from the local and national government, diplomatic community, students, families, and more, will once again walk in the footsteps of our heroes at the Bataan Death March Commemmorative Walk to mark the 82nd anniversary of the Battle of Bataan. 

 

Philippine Veterans Bank (PVB), in partnership with Philippine Veterans Affairs Office (PVAO) and the Department of National Defense (DND), will hold the annual Freedom March, a 160-kilometer commemorative walk for the heroes of WWII, this coming March 16 and 17, 2024. 

 

Freedom March will trace the actual historical route of the Death March, which will start in Mariveles, Bataan and will conclude in Capas, Tarlac. The public is invited to join the solemn tribute which commemorates the valor and sacrifice of Filipino and American heroes of the Battle of Bataan during one of history's most poignant chapters. 

 

"The Freedom March isn't just a journey over land; it's a journey through time, honoring the undying spirit of those who walked before us," Mike Villa-Real, PVB first vice president for marketing and communications, said. "This year, as we walk, we don't just tread on the ground; we walk alongside the echoes of bravery and resilience that resonate through our nation's history." 

 

The Freedom March encapsulates the route taken by approximately 66,000 Filipino and 10,000 American POWs. It stretches from Mariveles and Saysain Point in Bagac town, Bataan province, to Camp O’Donnell in Capas town, Tarlac province. This path, steeped in history, offers a tangible connection to the past, turning every step into a personal encounter with history. This act of remembrance reinforces the narratives of endurance and resilience that form the bedrock of our heritage. 

 

According to Villa-Real, the 2024 Freedom March is designed to be a powerful educational experience, providing participants with an opportunity to connect deeply with history. Unlike the original Death March's grueling journey, the event features a symbolic 10-kilometer walk, making it accessible for more individuals who wish to participate in this act of remembrance. 

 

Participants may opt to join certain segments of the walk that may start in a location nearest and most convenient for them. The march symbolizes a united front in honoring the sacrifices made for our nation's freedom. "Each step taken in the Freedom March is a step of gratitude, a step of understanding, and a step towards ensuring that the legacy of our heroes endures," added Villa-Real. 

 

The Freedom March extends an open invitation to everyone, a call to gather not just to walk but to immerse in the deep lessons of history. 

 

Interested participants may register at https://bit.ly/freedom-march-2024. Registration is free. 

 

"As we march, we do more than remember; we pledge to carry the torch of their legacy forward, shining a light for future generations," concludes Villa-Real. 

 

For more information about the event, follow https://www.facebook.com/veteransbankmarch.

PHILIPPINE BALLET THEATRE ABLAZE WITH PASSION

The Philippine Ballet Theatre’s triumph over daunting obstacles and hardships is a celebration of the company; resolute spirit that continues the revolutionary fighting spirit of its founders. Bold, Brave, and Beautiful, the company, and all the people behind it, continue to dream and fight, striving to see their dreams come to reality.

 
In 2023, the Company celebrated its dramatic emergence from the pandemic. With the revolutionary fighting spirit of the Company and the solid vision of Artistic Director Ronilo Jaynario, the company proved that they have stayed at the forefront of the industry. They closed the season with a warmly embraced full Filipino ballet “Ibalon”, an electric tour in the United States of America and their crowd favorite, “The Nutcracker”. This 2024, their journey continues as they prepare to take flight.
 

The Philippine Ballet Theatre proudly announces its vibrant 38th season. This season, PBT embraces the theme “Ablaze”. They begin the season with another brand new Filipino ballet “Sarimanok”. This ballet is ready to soar unveiling the beautiful tapestry of our culture.
 
“Sarimanok” is a dance of culture and myth. “Sarimanok” is a bird in Filipino Mindanao mythology. The magical bird with its majestic colors is the center of a love story between a mortal and a moon goddess.
 
This mythical creature, renowned for its vibrant feathers and captivating presence, takes center stage in a ballet that transcends the boundaries of time and culture. The ballet will be choreographed by the same creative team of “Ibalon”. Artistic Director Ronilo Jaynario will be choreographing the ballet with the music of Paulo Zarate. It is slated to premiere in early July.
 
“Music in Motion”, PBT’s second offering will be a mixed bill program of neoclassical works by artistic director Ronilo Jaynario with the music of maestro Raul Sunico. It will be a blend of familiar Filipino music brought to life through Philippine Ballet Theatre’s exquisite dancing. A flurry of emotions and diverse movement all packed in one show. In a dinner and dance format, this season offering is set to be performed sometime in September.

PBT will end their season with their crowd pleaser. “Nutcracker” is a tradition that is hard to resist. It not only serves as a ballet that ushers in the holiday spirit, it also serves as PBT’s advocacy project. With a cast of 100 dancers, it is able to educate young dancers from different schools regarding the remarkable discipline of ballet.
 
With a renewed passion for their advocacy, PBT will try to keep their fire burning for their advocacies. As of date they are scheduled to go on a local tour including Legaspi, Bicol, and Bacolod. The number of tour dates are increasing in number as we speak. The Company is also scheduled to go on an international tour this coming October to select cities in the United States of America.
 
Much has been accomplished but more is to be achieved. PBT is excited to engage with a wider range of audiences this 2024. A RESIDENT COMPANY OF THE CULTURAL CENTER OFTHE PHILIPPINES
 
 
CONTACT : (02) 632 8848 | (0912) 945 5151 | (0949) 325 2545 | (0995) 158 0538 | secretariat@pbt.ph

 

Puerto Princesa: A Paradise and Sports Hub

Puerto Princesa City, which forms part of the Philippines’ Last Frontier, is first on the list of ideal destinations of travelers, adventure-seekers, and nature lovers. With a good number of sports tournaments being held in the city, it is now solidifying its status as the “Sports Capital of the Philippines.”

Unstoppable. Phenomenal. Unbreakable. That’s what Puerto Princesa is as it plays host to world-class sports activities such as marine events like kite-boarding, wakeboarding, water skiing, banana-boat ride, tube riding and hookah diving. The city also regularly hosts the “Motocross Masters of Asia.” 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.

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.

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!”

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