B2
SPORTS
SATURDAY, JANUARY 27, 2024
RIERA U. MALLARI, Editor RANDY M. CALUAG, Asst. Editor
Lascuna defeats Tabuena by 3 shots
Tony Lascuna displays his championship trophy and the replica of his winner’s check. Manny Marcelo
STA. ROSA, Laguna—In a striking display of enduring skill and resilience, ageless Tony Lascuña has once again proved that, like fine wine, his game only gets better with time. Two decades after ruling the second edition of the Don Pocholo Razon Memorial Cup, the precursor to The Country Club Invitational, Lascuña emerged on top again, this time outplaying opponents who were in their adolescence when he claimed the crown in 20 in04. From a tough setback in the ICTSI The Country Club Match Play to a triumphant three-shot victory over Miguel Tabuena at the TCC Invitational on Friday, Lascuña’s life underwent a remarkable transformation in just two months. Overcoming disappointment of a tough loss in head-to-head duels, he emerged as the megabuck winner in stroke play, claiming the prestigious title and the largest purse offered on the Philippine Golf Tour – a whopping P2 million. In contrast to his third-round heroics, marked by spectacular shots, the four-time PGT Order of Merit champion secured his latest triumph through consistent play on another turbulent day at the TCC here. His closing three-over card featured no jaw-dropping shots that highlighted his surge in moving day – only key birdies on a couple of par-5s and a brave run of pars down the stretch.
The 53-year-old Lascuña assembled a three-over 291 total, turning what had been a thrilling yet error-laden week of golf at one of the country’s toughest courses into a commanding victory that didn’t only erase the lingering emotions from his earlier match play loss but also showcased the longevity of his successful golf career. “Ibang-iba ang feeling compared noong 2004, madaming magagaling na nandito ngayon. Maiksi din ang course noon pero ngayon, sobrang haba at hirap,” said Lascuña. “Pero nag-focus ako, binigyan ako ng chance ni Lord at naging maganda ang laro ko buong linggo.” Tabuena fell by as many as four with a bogey on No. 14 but kept his chances as Lascuña fouled up on the next hole. The former, however, missed a makeable birdie chance on No. 17 and three-putted the 18th, ending up with a second straight 77 for a 294 total. He pocketed P1 million. Reflecting on his mindset during the tournament, Lascuña admitted a change in approach, saying: “Dati pag nagkakamali ako, umiinit ang ulo ko, ngayon, sabi ko, tanggapin lang (ang mga mali) at madami pang chances para bumawi.” “Pero dapat, focus lagi, natural lang na magkamali, ang importante, dapat maka-recover para di lumaki ang score,” added Lascuña, who later thanked his family, Manila Southwoods, Srixon, the PGT and ICTSI chairman/CEO Ricky Razon for his latest feat.
EJ Obiena is 2nd recipient of ‘Gold, Grit, Glory Award’ E J Obiena will be honored not just twice but thrice during the San Miguel Corporation-Philippine Sportswriters Association (PSA) Awards Night.
In celebration of its 60th anniversary, MILO pays homage to the world’s no. 2 pole vaulter by bestowing to him the ‘Gold, Grit, and Glory Award’ during the Jan. 29 proceedings at the grand ballroom of the Diamond Hotel. The award represents excellence, resilience, and inspiration in the realm of pole vaulting.
The accolade is the third the 28-yearold University of Santo Tomas product will be receiving in the annual gathering other than the coveted Athlete of the Year award and among the lead athletes to be given with citations by the country’s sports writing fraternity currently headed by Nelson Beltran, sports editor of The Philippine Star.
Obiena is the second elite athlete to be recognized by MILO with the same award after Olympic gold medalist Hidilyn Diaz last year. The traditional awards night exclusively staged by the 75-year-old media organization is presented by ArenaPlus, the 24/7 sports app in the Philippines, and with the Philippine Sports Commission, Philippine Olympic Committee, MILO, Cignal, and PLDT/Smart as major sponsors, while being backed by the Philippine Basketball Association, Premier Volleyball League, 1-Pacman
Partylist Rep. Mikee Romero, and Rain or Shine. MILO Sports head Carlo Sampan will award Obiena the special honor. “An athlete who embodies the Grit for unwavering determination in the face of challenges, and Glory to become an inspiration for others,” said MILO in a statement. “In celebration of 60 years in the Philippines, MILO aims to honor and empower athletes to reach new heights and stands as a testament to MILO’s legacy of pursuing greatness in sports.”
Ernest John Obiena
PH’s Balbanida ready for action in winter games GANGWON, South Korea—Avery Uriel Balbanida has the entire weekend to adopt to the Korean snow ahead of his first event on Monday in the Fourth Winter Youth Olympic Games Balbanida, 16, is entered in the men’s sprint freestyle on Monday and 7.5-km classic skiing on Tuesday at the Alpensia Biathlon Centre. He’s here with his Canada-based Australian coach Allison McArdle. “It’s truly an experience that I want to save here and just like I said before, the chance to ski with the greatest skiers of my age is something of a chance I cannot pass,” said Balbanida, a taekwondo blackbelt, who’s also into roller sports. “So I’m going Manila
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to take my time and enjoy the moment.” The 11th grader at the All Saints High School in Calgary City stares at a start list of 80 skiers in his first event and expects athletes from Norway, Finland and Sweden as his toughest foes. But he vowed to give the competition his best. “I really want to try my best and I’m honored to be here,” he said. “Pressured? It will help me more to be motivated and it gives me more drive.” Balbanida is the third Filipino athlete who qualified for these games with speed skater Peter Joseph Groseclose already having flown back to the US and freestyle skier Laetaz Amihan Rabe expected to re-
turn to Geneva on Monday. Groseclose sustained a foot injury in the 500 meters, while Rabe hurt her knee and didn’t start in her events. McArdle told Balbanida to enjoy the moment as a young athlete. “Just enjoy the experience of competing with the best young cross-country athletes around the world,” McArdle said. “We don’t have a specific goal, we just hope he tries the best he can and enjoy the competition.” Groseclose, meanwhile, promised to gain from his experience here. “I’m going to continue competing in the World Cups, Junior World Cups and even the world championships,” he said. “And I hope to compete in the 2026 Olympics in Italy.”
Avery Uriel Balbanida and coach Allison McArdle
CYAN MAGENTA YELLOW BLACK
TODAY
INVITATION TO APPLY FOR ELIGIBILITY AND TO BID The ILOCOS NORTE ELECTRIC COOPERATIVE, INC. (INEC) through its Bids and Awards Committee (BAC) is inviting all interested manufacturers, and distributors of goods to apply for and bid for the following:
Bid No.
Name of Project (Brief Description)
BAC No. 02-2024
Supply and Delivery of Various Metering Accessories
₱6,343,650.00
BAC No. 03-2024
Supply and Delivery of Various Transformers
₱16,116,400.00
BAC No. 04-2024
Supply and Delivery of Various Line Materials
₱5,781,105.00
BAC No. 05-2024
Supply and Delivery of Various Conductors
₱2,080,000.00
ABC
Delivery Period
7 Days after NTP (Consignment)
30 Days after NTP (Consignment)
Accreditation Fee (valid for 1 year)
NonRefundable Fees/Bid documents
₱10,000.00
₱10,000.00
₱10,000.00
₱25,000.00
₱10,000.00
₱10,000.00
₱10,000.00
₱5,000.00
Prospective Bidders should have completed a similar contract, and have key personnel and equipment available for the execution of the contract. The Eligibility Check/Screening, as well as the Preliminary Examination of Bids, shall use non-discretionary “pass/fail” criteria. Post-qualification of the Lowest Calculated Bid (LCB) shall be conducted. All particulars relative to Eligibility Statement and Screening, Bid Security, Performance Security, Pre-Bidding Conference, Evaluation of Bids, Post Qualification and Award of Contract shall be governed by the pertinent provisions of the NEA Procurement Guidelines and Simplified Bidding Procedures for Electric Cooperatives.
Letran undefeated, stays on track for title repeat GIA Marcel Maquilang and Lara Mae Silva of defending champion Letran smashed Kat Santos and Juan May Gonzales of San Sebastian College, 21-8, 2111, to stay unscathed after five games and remain on course of claiming backto-back titles in NCAA Season 98 beach volleyball in Subic Bay. It was the fifth win in a row for the Lady Knights that kept them unflappable at the helm alongside San Beda’s Angel Mae Habacon and Reyanna Cañete and University of Perpetual Help’s Mary Rhose Dapol and Krisha Cordero. Habacon and Cañete edged Emilio
Date
Conditions/Remarks
Advertisement/Posting of Invitation to Bid
January 27, 2024
Start of Availability of Bidding Documents
Pre-Bid Conference
February 5, 2024
10:00 AM at INEC Training Room, Main Office, Brgy. Suyo, Dingras, Ilocos Norte
Deadline of Submission and Receipt of Bids, and Bid Opening
February 19, 2024
10:00 AM at INEC Main Office, Brgy. Suyo, Dingras, Ilocos Norte
Bid Evaluation & Post Qualification
February 20-March 4, 2024
INEC Main Office, Brgy. Suyo, Dingras, Ilocos Norte
Issuance of Notice of Award
To be announced
Interested bidders may obtain further information from INEC through the BAC and its Secretariat located in INEC Main Office, Brgy. Suyo, Dingras, Ilocos Norte. INEC reserves the right to accept or reject any bid, to annul the bidding process and to reject all bids at any time prior to contract award, without thereby incurring any liability to the affected bidder or bidders. For further information, please refer to: THE INEC BAC SECRETARIAT Ilocos Norte Electric Cooperative, Inc. (INEC) Brgy. Suyo, Dingras, Ilocos Norte Email: inecbacsecretariat@gmail.com (Aiza D. Cabias) bidsawardc@gmail.com (Lorena T. Bungcayao) Contact Nos. (077) 600-46-32 loc. 1503; 09190813093 (077) 600-46-32 loc. 1101; 09608179844 (SGD.) ENGR. JENNER B. PABLO BAC Chairman Noted by: (SGD.) MR. CIPRIANO E. MARTINEZ III Acting General Manager HOPE
20, 18-21, 15-11 defeat to Jose Rizal U’s Windel Laurenciana and Matthew Miguel in an opening-day stunner Wednesday. Tailing UPHSD with eight points or 3-2 record were Emilio Aguinaldo’s Bhim Lawrence Diones and Ervin Patrick Osabel, a 21-17, 21-17 winner over San Beda’s Aidjien Josh Rus and Mohammad Shaif Ali Tahiluddin, and CSB. UPHSD is also lording it over the juniors’ section as it remained undefeated in four games including a 20-22, 21-11, 15-7 win over CSB’s Fred Christian Pumaren and Lanz Alfon Geronimo.
LeBron sets record with 20th AllStar Game spot
To complete schedule of activities is listed, as follows: Procurement Activity
Aguinaldo College’s Cathrine Almazan and Christine Joy Cordial, 21-18, 1721, 15-10, while the Dapol-Cordero pair smashed St. Benilde’s Angelika Mondejar and Doreen Baguio, 21-15, 21-15, to likewise stay unbeaten. In men’s play, UPHSD’s Louie Ramirez and Jefferson Marapoc bucked an openingset loss and eked out a 17-21, 21-19, 15-8 triumph over gritty CSB’s Leonard Van Jaboli and Arnel Christian Aguilar to stay on top with nine points or a 4-1 mark that kept its bid of a title repeat. It was the fourth straight victory for UPHSD after absorbing a shock 22-
NOTICE Notice is hereby given that IT By Design Philippines Inc. with office address at 11F Insular Life Building 6781 Ayala Avenue, corner Paseo de Roxas Avenue, Makati City, is applying for registration with the Board of Investments (BOI) as a New Services Export Provider (IT Services - Philplans Corporate Center) under Tier 1 (Export Activities Services Exports) of the 2022 SIPP of the CREATE Act (RA 11534), with project site located at PH02 Penthouse Floor, Philplans Corporate Center, 1021 Triangle Drive, Bonifacio Global City, Taguig City. Any person with valid objection/s on the abovementioned project may file his/her objection in writing, under oath, with the BOI within three (3) days from the date of this publication. (SGD.) MARY ANN E. RAGANIT Acting Director Infrastructure and Services Industries Service
NEW YORK—Los Angeles Lakers superstar LeBron James was voted into the NBA AllStar Game for a record 20th time on Thursday, named among 10 starters for next month’s 73rd All-Star contest. James, a four-time NBA Most Valuable Player, was named an All-Star starter for the 20th consecutive year, a streak that began in 2005, his second NBA campaign. The 39-year-old US playmaker, a four-time NBA champion, broke the record for All-Star appearances that he had shared with another Lakers legend, Kareem Abdul-Jabbar. The NBA All-Star Game will be played on February 18 at Indianapolis between elite squads from the Eastern and Western Conference. As the top West point-getter, James will serve as captain and join a starting lineup that also includes Phoenix’s Kevin Durant and Serbian center Nikola Jokic, a two-time MVP from the defending champion Denver Nuggets. West guards included Slovenian Luka Don-
cic of Dallas and Oklahoma City’s Shai Gilgeous-Alexander of Canada. Greek star Giannis Antetokounmpo of the Milwaukee Bucks was named captain for the East, whose frontcourt starters also include Cameroon’s reigning NBA MVP and this season’s top scorer Joel Embiid of the Philadelphia 76ers and Boston’s Jayson Tatum. “You never want to take it for granted,” Tatum said. “For the fans to consistently vote me in is truly an honor. I grew up wanting to be in All-Star weekend every year and to live out that dream in real time is pretty cool. I’m very grateful.” East guards included Indiana’s Tyrese Haliburton, the NBA assists leader, and Milwaukee’s Damian Lillard, making his eighth All-Star appearance after being traded from Portland to the Bucks before this season. Fan balloting to determine starters ended last Saturday. Fan votes counted 50% with a media panel and NBA players each counting 25%. AFP