ppc_hammerheadshark@yahoo.com
The Puerto Princesa Hammerhead Shark Swimming Team extends its profound gratitude to MAYOR EDWARD HAGEDORN, CONG. BAHAM MITRA, KGD. ROGER CASTRO, KGD. FELIBOY OLIVEROS, MR. NOEL MATTA, and BOARD MEMBERS RAFFY LIGGAYU, EVELYN RODRIGUEZ, ALICE FABELLON, and ERNESTO LLACUNA for their generous support which made the team’s participation to the 2007 National Youth Team Selection Trials (NY-TEST) possible.
5th SEA Games Age Group Inter-club Age-Group Swimming Championship bags 2 bronze in individual, a gold and a silver in relay
Gerrol Castillo makes wave in international meet
Hammerhead Sharks’s first plunge in international meet netted promising results.
Gerrol Castillo, who competed under 13-14 age-group for Team Pilipinas-Trace, garnered four (4) medals in the just concluded 5th South East Asia (SEA) Games Inter-Club AgeGroup Swimming Championship held in Trace Aquatic Complex in Los Baños, Laguna.
Gerrol pulled down his personal best of 4:44.23 in 400 m freestyle to snatch a bronze, finishing with a personal best 4:38.54. Gerrol initially appeared to spring a stunning upset until Singapore’s Kevin Lim Wei Xun and Davao’s Joaquin Gonzales overtook him in the homestretch. Lim and Gonzales eventually took the gold and the silver.
Gerrol also collected another bronze in 100 m butterfly, finishing behind Jia Chen Yeo and Jed Lee Wee Jin of Singapore, who bagged the gold and silver respectively.
Gerrol then teamed up with Banjo Borja (Laguna), Kevin Mercado (Cavite), and Wilfredo Sunglao, Jr. (Naga) to bring home the gold in 4 x 100 m medley relay. The quartet fin-
ished ahead of Team Singapore and Team De Lasalle. Team Singapore then took revenge by grabbing the gold in 4 x 100 m freestyle, while Gerrol’s team took home the silver ahead of Team De Lasalle .
Gerrol’s clocking has enabled him to earn a slot in the SEA Games Age-group scheduled in Singapore on September this year.
Coach Dan Egot believes that Gerrol’s modest achievement in the international meet will usher brighter hope not only for Hammerhead Shark team members but also for Puerto Princesa swimmers. Says Coach Dan, “Already, I can see that Gerrol’s accomplishment has buoyed the confidence of his teammates. It has given them a sense of perspective of what they could achieve if they practice as hard as he does.”
Siobe “the Shark” and Hammerhead Shark set world record
PUERTO PRINCESA CITY — As she had vowed to do so, Ana Karenina “Siobe” Dalabajan, 7, swam eight kilometers across the Puerto Princesa Bay here on Sunday as part of the city’s 135th founding anniversary dubbed the Balayong Festival.
She was joined by her two sisters, Shasa and Isha, and other teammates from the Puerto Princesa Hammerhead Shark Swimming Team (PPHST).
Not all of them made it though as some who joined did
not have enough time to practice and train.
The swim was originally to have been for a fivekilometer distance, to start from Barangay Sta. Lucia to the Baywalk; but it was moved to adjacent Barangay Mangingisda--thereby stretching the distance to more than 8 km.
Unmindful of the strong current, big waves as well as the scorching heat of the sun, Siobe even
had fun during the swim--sometimes playing with her swim mates and waving to escorts on a boat.
(continued to page 2)
PPHST is an affiliate of the Philippine Amateur Swimming Association, Inc. (PASA)2007 MIMAROPA-RAA
8 Hammerhead Sharks qualifies for Pambansa
CALAPAN CITY. When it seemed like host Calapan City’s fortress was impenetrable, Hammerhead Shark swimmers led the assault of Team Puerto Princesa and came out strong in the recently concluded MIMAROPA Regional Athletic Association (RAA).
Hammerhead Sharks Jeron Mercader and Gerrol Castillo dealt the more crucial blows as they bagged the first and second place overall finishes in the Secondary Boy’s category. Alfie Pilapil and Jefrey Pelosa took fifth and seventh honors.
Clarisse Layacan, who was the Team Puerto Princesa’s lone campaigner in Secondary Girls placed third overall behind Leah Galicia and Mara Goco of Team Calapan City and ahead of Jona Austria of Team Palawan.
Mark Joseph Pilapil, the only Hammerhead Shark in the Elementary Boys, placed second overall ahead of Edmundo Villa del Rey of Team Calapan and Hansene Incapas of Team Oriental Mindoro who finished
Siobe “the Shark”...(cont.)
third and fourth overall, respectively. Paulo Tambal of Team Calapan garnered the top honor in Elementary Boys.
In Elementary Girls category, Nerissa Maggay broke the MIMAROPA record in 50 meters freestyle when she clocked 32.74 seconds ahead of Denise Tiquia of Team Calapan and Vanessa Basaya of Team Puerto Princesa. Maggay and Inessa Dalabajan finished third and fourth overall respectively. Daniella Infantado and Denise Tiquia of Team Calapan got the first and second place finishes.
Swimmers who placed first to eighth will represent the region in the 2007 Palarong Pambansa scheduled to be held in Koronadal, Cotabato in May this year. Hence, all the eight (8) swimmers that Hammerhead Shark sent to MIMAROPA-RAA will pack up for Cotabato.
The only other swimmers from Puerto Princesa who made it to the Palarong Pambansa are Vanessa Basaya who placed fifth in Elementary Girls and Carl Luis dela Cruz who finished sixth in Elementary Boys.
How PPC swimmers fared in MIMAROPA-RAA (name, ranking and swim team)
Secondary Boys:
Jeron Mercader (1st, Hammerhead Shark)
Gerrol Castillo (2nd, Hammerhead Shark)
Alfie Pilapil (5th, Hammerhead Shark)
Jefrey Pelosa (7th, Hammerhead Shark)
Jayson Jose (9th, Cetaceans)
Secondary Girls:
Clarisse Layacan (3rd, Hammerhead Shark)
Elementary Boys:
Mark Joseph Pilapil (2nd, Hammerhead Shark)
Carl Luis dela Cruz (6th, Cetaceans)
Joshua Padul (11th, Cetaceans)
Matthew Rodriguez (12th, Cetaceans)
Yancy Pascua (14th, Cetaceans)
Keneth Aboratique (24th, Cetaceans)
Garett Baaco (25th, Cetaceans)
Elementary Girls:
Nerissa Maggay (3rd, Hammerhead Shark)
Inessa Dalabajan (4th, Hammerhead Shark)
Vanessa Basaya (5th, Cetaceans)
Yanny Pascua (10th, Cetaceans)
kilometer-stretch from Isla de Caña to Baywalk, which motivated her to conquer Puerto Princesa Bay.
“For several times, I tried to stop her from doing this but I guess no amount of words could hold her back,” her father, Dante, said before the swim.
After the event, he was speechless of her feat at first.
“All I can say right now is that I’m ecstatic,” he said.
Here are the schedules of meets where the Hammerhead Shark Team will see action:
• Palarong Pambansa in Koronadal City, South Cotabato from April 22 to 28.
Bay.
At the start of their swim, they seemed to be going nowhere so coach Danny Egot decided to join in order for the swimmers to get into the right track.
The only problem they encountered was the presence of jelly fish, which irritated them at first.
While swimming, some could be heard saying “Ang kati (It’s itchy.)”
Last Dec. 31, Dalabajan, who was nicknamed “Siobe the Shark” by her teammates at the Puerto Princesa Hammerhead Shark Swimming Team because of her prowess in the waters, successfully crossed the 2.5-
PPHSST coach Danny Egot said that with this, “We hope that we will be able to gain more support and raise the awareness of the people regarding the protection of the sea and its environs.”
The conquest of Puerto Princesa Bay was aimed at showcasing the strength, endurance and will power of the swimmers as well as encourage the private sector to support the swimming program of the city.
Egot said the swim also aimed to heighten the awareness of the public about the need to keep Puerto Princesa Bay clean.
“We want the next generations to enjoy what Siobe and her generation had the privilege of enjoying—which is a clean area where kids can swim,” he said.
• 8th Davao Mayor’s Cup AgeGroup Swimming Competition, Ladislawa Country Club, Davao City from May 25 to 27
• Regional Finals of Philippine Olympic Festival, in Los Baños, Lagun from July 16 to 22, 2007
• National Finals of Philippine Olympic Festival in Nueva Ecija from September 3 to 9, 2007
• SEA Games Age Group Swimming Championship in Singapore City, sometime in October 2007
Swim fast and be a scholar at Trace College
HEY KIDS! There’s more reason not to miss practice other than avoiding Mom and Dad’s sermon.
By doing your daily routine and pouring it all out during competitions, you will get the chance to qualify in the national pool and
a dream of a lifetime opportunity to practice in the prettiest and most hightech training swimming facility in the country—the Philippine Center for Excellence in Aquatic Sports (PCEAS) in Trace College, Los Baños, Laguna.
“We offer full scholarships to kids who meet the PASA qualifying time,” says Arnie Navarra, PCEAS Adminis-
Dan Egot now a world-class Coach!
Hammerhead Shark Coach
Dan Egot has recently been inducted to the roster of the World Swimming Coaches Association (WSCA) after he hurdled its Level 1 test. Coach Dan will join the pioneer batch of elite coaches around the country, including National Coaches of PASA. Coach Dan joins the
company of PASA President Mark Joseph, Susan Papa, the legendary Ral Rosario and other swimming greats. Coach Dan’s certification with WSCA will broaden his opportunities for skills-improvement in training and competition techniques and strategies.
trator. “If they accept the offer, they go to Trace College, and get the chance to train with the best of the best. They also get food and lodging all for free,” Navarra added.
PCEAS, which was the site of the 2006 South East Asian Games, has an Olympic-size pool with anti-wave technology, a diving pool, a 25-meter training pool, a weight room and another room for dry-land exercises.
The school buildings are superb. One building even has a helipad on top. The school ground is expansive. Its dormitory will rival the expensive hotels in Manila.
So, remember kids: Everyday in practice is a step closer to PCEAS!
Siobe got Mayor’s plum
Siobe Dalabajan recently received the coveted Mayor’s Award, “(f)or demonstrating extraordinary strength and stamina as a 7year old girl in the field of swimming and garnering several awards for the City of Puerto Princesa.”
Siobe was the youngest among 10 awardees which include a doctor, a scientist, businessmen, and a journalist, and a multicab driver.
Siobe bagged the award when she, together with the rest of the Hammerhead Shark Team swam the waters that separate Brgy. Mangingisda and the City’s baywalk
Jef Pelosa to swim with PCU Dolphins
Jefrey Pelosa’s hard work in the pool has
finally paid off! When school year 2007 opens, Jef, who has recently graduated from Palawan National School, will be donning the colors of the Philippine Christian University (PCU) in the National College Atheletic Association (NCAA). Jef, Hammerhead Shark’s premier breaststroker,
will be training under Coach Digs Pilapil, who used to be one of Puerto Princesa’s top swimmers and also a protégé of Coach Dan Egot. Asked what his advice is to aspiring varsitarians, Jef says, “they have to study as hard as they practice.” Way to go, Jef!
7 Hammerhead Sharks get citations from schools
Seven (7) Hammerhead Sharks were recognized for bringing pride and honor to their respective schools. Mark Joseph Pilapil (West Central School), Esther Carpio and Fatima Ventura (East Central School),
Nerissa Maggay (Holy Trinity College), and Jefrey Pelosa each received Athlete of the Year award from their schools upon graduation. Inessa Dalabajan and Gerrol Castillo, both from Palawan State Uni-
versity, also received recognition. The awardees all agree that the awards are fitting recognition of their dedication and commitment to their sport. They said that their individual citations encourage them to work harder.
The award is handed out annually to outstanding citizens who have made distinctive contribution to the City’s development. and prominence.
Jomar Pilapil, new Hammerhead Shark asst coach
Starting this summer, Jomar Pilapil will be Coach Dan Egot’s coaching assistant. Coach Jomar is 22 years old and was one of Coach Dan’s outstanding tankers during the late 90’s. He won a gold medal in freestyle during BIMP-EAGA invitational. He was also a familiar fixture in City and regional meets during his time.
Coach Jomar will likely wield the timer and the whistle whenever Coach Dan is in competitions. When Coach Dan is present, Coach Jomar will be training the novices.
The façade of the Philippine Center for Excellence in Aquatic Sports (PCEAS) located inside the Trace College in Los Baños, Laguna ABS-CBN’s Marc Logan interviews the indefatigable Coach Danny Egot2007 National Youth Team Selection Trials
Hammerhead Sharks figure prominently in NY-TEST
LOS BAÑOS, LAGUNA. The Hammerhead Shark team made its presence felt in the national swimming scene by making a respectable showing in the 2007 National Youth Team Selection Trials (NY-TEST) held at the sprawling Philippine Center of Excellent for Aquatic Sports (PCEAS) in Los Baños, Laguna from February 9-11.
Gerrol Castillo led the shark attack by garnering the top finish in the 100 m butterfly, the second best in 200 m butterfly and the third place finish in 400 m freestyle for the 13-14 agegroup.
Gerrol’s performance earned him slot in the Philippine Youth Team for
the 5th ASEAN Inter Club Age Group Swimming Championships.
Meanwhile, Jeron Mercader, who competed against taller and older members of
the Philippine Team under the 15 and over age-group almost pulled a remarkable upset, placing fourth in 1500 m freestyle behind veteran heavies Nikita Dacera, Timothy Yap and Raphael Grabador.
Backstrokers Nerissa Maggay and Clariss Layacan, and breastroker Jef Pelosa and Inessa Dalabajan, similarly dished out respectable performances in their respective age-groups. Inessa, however, was hobbled by two (2) disqualifications.
The team’s experience in the national meet will be an invaluable preparation for the coming Regional Philippine Olympic Festival in July this year.
KNOW ALL MEN BY THESE PRESENTS
In the spirit of transparency and accountability, the Puerto Princesa Hammerhead Shark Swimming Team hereby presents its financial report in relation to the recently concluded National Youth Team Selection Trials held in Los Baños, Laguna from February 9 to 11, 2007.
NY-TEST Expense Report
like a hammerhead shark!
Kids! Be part of the hottest, fastest, and winningest swim team in town. Enroll now with “LearntoSwimLikeaHammerheadShark”
We have programs for novice, advanced, and elite swimmers.
We can tailor-made your practice/ training schedules to your academic and other duties.
For inquiries contact: Danny Egot, Head Coach 09102586558 or email us at <ppc_ hammerheadshark@yahoo.com> or visit us at the pool in front of Philippine Red Cross at H. Mendoza St., Puerto Princesa City.
