Category: Sports

MILO helps give shoes and hope to kids of Tacloban, Ormoc and Eastern Samar

PRNEWS Leave a comment

As part of its commitment to help the children affected by Typhoon Yolanda rebuild their spirits through play and sports, MILO has recently donated 16,000 pairs of new running shoes to selected recipients in Tacloban, Ormoc and Samar last January 26 to 28.

Along with the shoes, foot cutouts bearing Messages of Hope were also passed on to the children. The inspiring messages came from those who answered MILO’s call to help the kids take the next steps and show them that the Filipino community is cheering them on. During the 38th National MILO Marathon season, avid MILO drinkers wrote on foot cutouts at the Help Give Shoes booth at the qualifying races and National Finals, while netizens posted nuggets of encouragement via the MILO Philippines Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram social media accounts. Celebrities and notable personalities also helped give hope to the recipients, including Jim Paredes who said, “A step at a time will get you there!” Christine Bersola Babao rallied the children on with her message, “Huwag kang mawawalan ng pag-asa. Kaya mo yan. Unti-unting humakbang muli! One step at a time until you reach your destination… your dream!”

Launched in 2010, MILO’s Help Give Shoes advocacy is an ongoing campaign which enables every participant of the National MILO Marathon to donate a part of their registration fee to support the cause. MILO matches the total amount collected to provide shoes to deserving public school students. Last year, on its 50th year anniversary in the Philippines, MILO has turned over a total of 50,000 pairs of shoes for the schoolchildren.

With the invaluable support of the Department of Education and the National MILO Marathon runners, MILO delivered the pairs of shoes to students of Calibaan Elementary School, Don Vicente Quintero Memorial School, Sto. Niño SPED School, City Central School, San Fernando Central School and V&G Dela Cruz Memorial School, Dr. A. P. Banez Memorial Elementary School, Tigbao Diit Elementary School, Sta. Elena Elementary School, San Jose Central School, Scandinavian Elementary School, Bagacay Elementary School, Fisherman Village Elementary School in Tacloban City, Liberty Elementary School, Cabintaan Elementary School, Licoma Elementary School, Mahayahay Elementary School, Catmon Elementary School, Dona Feliza Mejia Elementary School, Green Valley Elementary School, Lao Elementary School, Villacencio Elementary School, San Juan Elementary School, Lake Danao elementary School, Alta Vista Elementary School, Can – Untog Elementary School, Ormoc City Speed Center School, Naglahug Elementary School in Ormoc, and Cagdara-o Elementary School, Mayana Elementary School, Timala Elementary School, Bitaog Lawaan Elementary School, Paco Elementary School, San Vicente Elementary School, Salug Elementary School, and Lupok Elementary School in Guiuan, Eastern Samar.

With delight, the recipients performed presentations in their classrooms, as a gesture of gratitude to those who have contributed to the advocacy. “Seeing the big smiles on their faces after this encounter with the children truly makes us happy, knowing that somehow, we were able to uplift their spirits,” said MILO Sports Marketing Manager Andrew Neri. “We at MILO would like to thank the Filipino community for participating in this advocacy. Through our efforts, we hope to inspire them to continue to overcome the roadblocks the typhoon brought in, and strive for their dreams.”

Smart football club is CFL Cup champ

PRNEWS Leave a comment

The football team of wireless services leader Smart Communications, Inc. (Smart) emerged overall champion of the Corporate Football League (CFL) Cup held recently in Makati City.

Smart beat Data Centric, 3-2, via penalty shootout to win the tournament participated in by 16 companies, including Meralco, ANZ, and Aboitiz.

 

Another Smart team won the runners-up bracket of the CFL Cup, defeating Unilab with a final score of 6-0.

The Smart Football Club is one of 22 employee clubs in Smart which encourage the workforce to live by the company’s “Live More” manifesto.a

Tabal defends crown; Poliquit claims first title

PRNEWS Leave a comment

Over 19,200 runners joined the 38th National MILO Marathon National Finals in Manila, bringing the season’s record-breaking total headcount to 228,000 runners across all 18 legs

Reigning MILO Marathon Queen Mary Joy Tabal revelled in the spotlight as she defended her National MILO Marathon crown at the National Finals of the 38th National MILO Marathon held on December 7 at the SM Mall of Asia grounds. Not to be overlooked, Rafael Poliquit was named the 2014 National MILO Marathon King as he won his first National MILO Marathon championship title in the prestigious footrace. Today’s race saw 19,242 registered runners, bringing the total headcount of the season to 228,000 which shattered last year’s record.

Air Force member Rafael Poliquit, Jr. trumped his fiercest competitors and clinched the MILO Marathon King title for the first time

Tabal received P250,000 and a trophy for her outstanding victory in the 42K Open category, while Poliquit received P150,000 and a trophy for his win in the 42K Local category. Both will have the chance to run in an international marathon in 2015, with all-expense paid trips sponsored by MILO.

In the 42K Open category, only Rose Nyangacha finished ahead of Tabal, posting a time of 02:47:33. Despite the blisters and blood on her feet, the 25-year-old Cebuana put up a brave fight as she trailed closely behind Nyangacha, finishing with a time of 02:51:55. Immaculate Chemutai (02:52:49) finished in third place. It was a tough competition amongst former MILO Marathon Queens in the 42K Local category. Christabel Martes led the pack and posted a time of 03:03:49, while Mary Grace Delos Santos (03:05:34) and Jhoan Banayag (03:07:59) came in second and third place, respectively.

Renowned runner Mary Joy Tabal still reigns as the MILO Marathon Queen of the 38th National MILO Marathon Finals

“There was a lot of pressure on me since I was expected by many to retain the title. I needed to overcome that immense amount of pressure and nervousness. I motivated myself to push harder and to enjoy the race. It was also good because I challenged myself to become better,” shared Tabal. “I am happy that I had another chance to show what I can do and what I am capable of. I hope to inspire more Filipino runners, especially the kids, to continue running and striving to achieve their dreams.”

Kenyans dominated the male 42K Open category, with 2011 MILO Marathon champion James Tallam recording an impressive time of 02:21:08, Josphat Kiptanui (02:21:31) following in second and Joel Kiplimo Kemboi (02:21:31) in third.

Running buddies Sammy and Yet enjoy the race under the beautiful weather during the 38th National MILO Marathon Finals

First-time champion Rafael Poliquit set a swift pace against his local rivals with a time of 02:32:29, relegating five-time MILO Marathon King Eduardo Buenavista (02:33:56) to second place and Ireneo Raquin (02:35:50) to third place.

“I trained everyday with 20km runs, and a race every Sunday. I am my own coach. I did not expect to win because it is quite tough to balance work and training, but my victory today proved that despite difficulties, I am still able to compete with the nation’s elite runners,” expressed Poliquit.

2014 MILO Marathon Queen Mary Joy Tabal and 2014 MILO Marathon King Rafael Poliquit, Jr. proudly carry their trophies at the awarding ceremonies of the 38th National MILO Marathon National Finals

It was also his first time to face five-time MILO Marathon King Eduardo Buenavista in the 42K event. Both are members of the Air Force of the Philippines, and Buenavista happens to be Poliquit’s senior officer. “I could not believe I was able to beat Sir Eduardo. He is already an established veteran and one of the country’s running greats. He is my running idol. I admire him so much and he will continue to inspire me in my career.”

Kids, students, parents and families joined in on the fun as the running community gathered in the nation’s biggest footrace. Celebrity triathlete Kuya Kim Atienza ran in the 21K race, while fellow fitness buff, actress Anne Curtis, ran in the 10K race.

“We would like to congratulate everyone who joined us in the 38th season of the National MILO Marathon. We would also like to thank all who made this success possible,” said Andrew Neri, MILO Sports Marketing Manager. “We look forward to another great running season in 2015. See you again in the 39th National MILO Marathon!”

Actress and fitness buff Anne Curtis was among the hundreds who ran in the 10K category during the grand finale of the 38th National MILO Marathon Finals

With the support of the Department of Education and the National MILO Marathon runners, MILO’s Help Gives Shoes advocacy will provide 16,000 underprivileged youth with brand new running shoes and reach the 50,000 mark this year. As MILO celebrates its 50th year, Help Give Shoes aims to make the donation to students in Yolanda-hit cities, particularly Tacloban, Ormoc, and Eastern Samar.

The 38th National MILO Marathon is made possible by Timex, the Bayview Park Hotel Manila, ASICS, Lenovo, Manila Bulletin and Gatorade, along with endorsements from the Department of Education, Philippine Sports Commission and the Philippine Olympic Committee.

3 Coca-Cola Racing Family Drivers Vie for NASCAR Sprint Cup Series Championship

PRNEWS Leave a comment

Coca-Cola Racing Family drivers Denny Hamlin (left), Joey Logano and Ryan Newman are three of four finalists who will compete in the one-race showdown for the NASCAR Sprint Cup Series Championship on Nov. 16.

A fantastic NASCAR season is coming down to the wire, as the Nov. 16 race at Homestead-Miami Speedway will determine the 2014 NASCAR Sprint Cup SeriesTM champion, with the Coca-Cola Racing Family playing a huge part in who will take the ultimate victory lap.

Three of the four finalists in the one-race showdown for the title – Joey Logano, Denny Hamlin and Ryan Newman – are part of the seven-member Coca-Cola Racing Family that also includes Danica Patrick, Tony Stewart, Austin Dillon and Greg Biffle. But when the green flag drops Sunday, it will be every driver for himself.

“It will be fun to race against Denny and Ryan for sure – (it’s) pretty good odds for the Coke Family,” said Logano, who, like Hamlin and Newman, is searching for his first NASCAR Sprint Cup SeriesTM championship.

This year marked a sea change in the way NASCAR will crown its champion, as it moved from primarily a points-based system to the new, and intense, Chase for the Cup format, in which 16 drivers qualified and then four were knocked out during the Challenger, Contender and Eliminator rounds until the final quartet was left standing.

“You see that on the racetrack. You see guys taking chances and doing things that you didn’t see in the past,” Logano said. “So I think it’s been a good change for sure.”

The renewed emphasis on winning races changed the way drivers approached each event and made this season’s NASCAR home stretch one of the most exciting in years.

“We have a great opportunity in front of us and I’m going to give 1000 percent out on that race track and drive as hard as I’ve ever driven, but we’re just going to see where the chips fall,” Hamlin said during a press conference for Sunday’s race.

Logano has five wins on the season, while Hamlin has one. Newman did not capture a race win this year, but took a steady approach to get to the finale. Each driver also had to overcome adversity during the last week’s race in Phoenix. Newman needed a last-lap surge to qualify in fourth place; Hamlin was hamstrung by a flat tire, which cost him a lap; and Logano had to fight through a pit road error that placed him a lap down.

“It’s all about the guys on this team. We don’t give up. We just keep at it,” Logano said. “All year long, we haven’t let problems get us down. Getting all worked up doesn’t do anything for you. So you just need to keep at it. That’s what we did on Sunday and why we are here this weekend.”

Throughout the 10-week Chase for the NASCAR Sprint CupTM Championship period, the Coca-Cola Racing Family and NASCAR fans have been invited to #ChaseHappiness through social media platforms, whether it’s tailgating with great food and a delicious Coca-Cola, cheering on your favorite driver from the right family or the drivers making the right moves on and off the track. Learn more.

“I think there is a #ChaseHappiness moment in each round of the Chase,” Logano said. “Winning at New Hampshire locked us into the second round. Winning at Kansas locked us into the third round. And coming back from our problems in Phoenix got us to Homestead. At the end of the day, those were all #ChaseHappiness moments really, because your goal and your dream is still alive.

And that’s what Sunday’s race is all about for these drivers – chasing down a lifelong dream at 200mph.

“For me personally, just to have this opportunity, I know these guys can sit here and say the same thing, this is a chance for a dream to come true,” Newman said during a press conference. “That’s a chance for a dream to come true for one of us and all of us. Just to have a shot at it is amazing.”

For Logano, the youngest driver in the Coca-Cola Racing Family, he hoped that a NASCAR Sprint Cup SeriesTM championship might pay additional dividends beyond the glory of being the best driver in NASCAR.

“I just want a bigger role in the commercials next year if I win this championship,” he said with a laugh.

Sprite Launches new inspirational video featuring LeBron’s Hometown

PRNEWS Leave a comment

Sprite is launching a new inspirational video that captures LeBron’s return to his hometown of Akron from a whole new perspective. Directed by Jacob Rosenberg of the Bandito Brothers, the video “The First Home Game,” features James’ on-the-court highlight footage as local fans share their anticipation for his first home court appearance of the season. “I Bet My Life,” the new single from Grammy Award-winning rock band Imagine Dragons, serves as the background track.

“We’ve been with LeBron since the beginning and we’re looking forward to the next chapter in his illustrious career,” said Kimberly Paige, Associate Vice President, Sprite Brands, Coca-Cola North America. “LeBron’s decision to come home embodies the Sprite brand’s Obey Your Thirst® mantra, and we’re proud to help tell the story of his return to Northeast Ohio.”

The video was filmed on Sept. 25 during an event at Akron’s Patterson Park to unveil two outdoor basketball courts refurbished by Sprite. The refurbished courts, which provide Akron community members a newly refreshed place to play, feature original designs by legendary street artist Futura. Sprite worked with New York creative agency Translation to create the video.

Beginning today, the 90-second video will be shared across Sprite and LeBron James social media channels, as well as supported through paid digital media. On Thursday, Oct. 30, Sprite’s new 30-second advertisement will make its television debut during TNT’s broadcast of LeBron’s first game of the season. The 90-second video is now available on the Sprite brand’s YouTube channel. Fans can follow the social conversation and join Sprite in highlighting LeBron’s homecoming using the hashtags #firsthomegame and #obeyyourthirst.

In celebration of his homecoming, Sprite created a commemorative 12-ounce can featuring James’ likeness. Available in 6-packs, the limited-edition cans are now at participating convenience and retail stores throughout Ohio while supplies last.