SPORTS in Philippine Daily Inquirer

 

July 28, 2023

A powerful header from Sarina Bolder took New Zealand's keeper out of the picture.  (Reuters)

Hey there sports fan, If someone told you a week ago that on the third match day of the Philippine women's football team in the Fifa Women's World Cup, the squad would still be playing for something, you might have laughed. Or, if you agreed, it would be based on pure optimism and blind faith more than anything else. After all, the Filipinas are the lowest-ranked squad in Group A and are playing in the sport's biggest stage for the first time. And yet, here we are.  When the team battles Norway on Sunday, the team will be battling for a spot in the last 16. This gutsy group of gals are playing to extrend what has already been a dream stint in front of the eyes of the world.  There were clues scattered all over the loss to Switzerland that the Filipinas are not in New Zealand merely to bask in the World Cup spotlight, a privilege they earned with a dramatic victory over Taiwan in the qualifiers last year. In that 2-0 defeat, the team had the audacity to go out and celebrate the match's first goal, courtesy of a sublime strike by Katrina Guillou.  Yeah, so the offside flag nullified that goal eventually, cutting short the rapture of the team and its supporters. But Guillou firmed up the team's belief that it was capable of magic. And ta-daaa: The Filipinas pulled one memorable rabbit out of the hat. Sarina Bolden converted a pass by Sara Eggesvik into a country's core memory, blasting in a header that knocked down New Zealand's goalkeeper for a 1-0 lead over the tournament cohost. And then, amid a desperate fight by their foes, Olivia McDaniel made sure that the score would hold until the final whistle. That brings us to Sunday. The Philippines will need another epic shocker against a past champion—one groping for form amid injuries and team turmoil, but a powerful squad nevertheless—to qualify to the knockout rounds.  Will they succeed? The smart money is on Norway. It is hard to imagine the Filipinas bringing down such a collection standouts (or even holding them to a draw, which would still allow the Philippine to advance if coupled with a Switzerland win over New Zealand). But then, a week ago, it was difficult to believe too that on its third match day in the World Cup, the national team would still be playing for something. And yet, here we are.

Olivia McDaniel was a lifesaver for the Filipinas. (AFP)

Meanwhile... It's going to be a bit difficult to talk about anything outside of the Women's World Cup. How about a trivia question? Japan scored two goals in the span of two minutes against which World Cup foe? The answer, in a bit.   Also, let me just leave you with this: Remember how, before the tournament started, Filipinas defender Hali Long said the team was playing for more than just match results? The most capped player of the team said the Filipinas wanted to be examples of making dreams come true.   Well, their message is being heeded by young girls who also made their mark on the pitch, more than 17,000 kilometers away from the World Cup floodlights.  What we're up to next: On Sunday, our eyes will be everyone else's will be: On the match between the Philippines and Norway for a spot in the next round. We will have more features and updates straight from New Zealand, where Inquirer's football guru, Jonas Terrado, is currently following the exploits of the country's heroines. Number of the Week: 1-0 A score that will be forever etched in our hearts. Need I say more?

QUOTE OF THE WEEK “I’ll remember this moment, forever. For the rest of my life.” —Sarina Bolden, Philippines forward, on her first World Cup goal,and the country's first win on the sport's biggest stage.

The answer to the question above? Costa Rica. There are more trivia questions on our weekly sports quiz which you can access by joining our Viber community, which also featres the freshest sports updates. Fo Buy the Inquirer at newsstands, subscribe to our digital edition, Inquirer Plus, visit our online site and follow us on socials (Twitter: @inquirersports; FB: facebook.com/inquirersports) for more stories and updates—or to send us questions or suggestions of stories you'd want to read. Have a great and safe weekend! See you next Friday. Francis Francis T. J. Ochoa is the Sports Editor of the Philippine Daily Inquirer. For comments, suggestions and questions, hit him up on Twitter (@ftjochoaINQ).

MJ Lastimosa defends opinion on 'Barbie'

BY STEPHANIE BERNARDINO

  

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Beauty queen-actress-TV host MJ Lastimosa was quick to erase her controversial post relating the Hollywood film "Barbie" after she was bashed by fans.

Note that the post read: "Sobrang waley ng barbie movie sayang 600 ko haha!"

It didn't end there.

In another post she said, "Okay naman some parts but in general mehh parang school project film."

As usual, some fans were only too quick to react.

"If you did not like the movie, you could have said it in a better way. Remember, public figure ka at former Miss Universe candidate. Think through ur tweets next time," a netizen said.

MJ explained, "...yung pagkakagawa lang scenes and conflict kasi Diko maxadong nagustuhan not the message it was great."

Then she reacted to the backlash.

It read: "Wait lang naman sobrang online bullying naman agad kayo. Nakakatakot naman mag ka opinion dito minumura nako ng iba sa ibang socmed ko only because I did not like a film? I liked Little Women and Lady Bird naman, why attack me if I say I didn’t find it as good."

"It’s just my opinion and it has nothing to do about the movie being feminist, which is the only part that I liked, specially the speech of America Ferre, parang dapat nga wala na si Will Ferrell dun. But it’s just me, you’re entitled to like and dislike a movie. It’s not that deep mare."

MJ pointed out: "Wala akong inapakang tao."

"Natatakot din akong itweet to kasi magagalit nanaman kayo kasi dapat in unison ang opinion naten dito or else bobo na agad kami? sorry na agad mga mare kalma na maxado na kayong galit." 

The challenge of our century

 (Reflections by Klaus Döring)

Jul 28, 2023 | Reflections

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Klaus Döring

If I think about it, peace is first in my mind. But there is still another challenge. Worldwide population is expected to grow to nearly 10 billion by 2050 – but agricultural lands won’t be able to follow the same pace. The problem is clear: something has to change. The question is what.

Sustainable food for everyone! Food – besides water!

The world’s population continues to grow – but the Earth’s surface doesn’t. And already one in nine people around the world suffers from hunger. Although fertility levels worldwide are declining, life expectancy is increasing – and therefore, the global population keeps growing. The United Nations estimates that the world’s population is increasing by more than 80 million people every year.

Forecasts offer a nonstop rise: The global population is expected to reach 8.6 billion in 2030, 9.8 billion in 2050 and 11.2 billion by 2100. So allow me to ask: How can we feed all these billions without destroying the Earth?

Although it’s a dire picture, let’s face it: the situation is not as disastrous as it might seem. Food is not lacking – it is just poorly managed. I got the idea for this post after having watched an interview with Ralf Südhoff, head of the World Food Program of the United Nations in Berlin. He said: “Today, we would be able to feed many more people than we do”. “But we waste too much of the food we produce, and we lack efficient production – particularly in Africa”.

Forgotten are many rural areas. I agree with Südhoff who says that population growth is not the key cause of hunger, but rather a lack of efficiency in managing our resources. Indeed, farmers in rural areas of some African and Asian countries still lack the necessary means to maximize crop yields, misusing vast areas of land.

Imagine, the productivity of existing arable lands could be doubled, experts believe. And experts agree that productivity could be increased through very simple means. Allow me to quote again Ralf Südhoff: “Efficiency could be doubled or tripled in African countries by providing basic means such as training, credits and land rights”.

According to Valentin Thurn, director of the German documentary “10 Billion- Whats on your plate?”, farmers in rural areas are the most affected by hunger – and the ones most commonly left behind. He believes, and he is “deadly” correct, smallholders should get integrated into the modernization processes – until now, only limited to big industrialized farms.

While it won’t necessarily be easy to feed 10 billion people sustainably, it is possible, experts believe.

“We are producing at such a pace that the natural cycle cannot recover fast enough,” Klingholz said. “And this is mainly rich countries’ fault.” Global agriculture currently produces some 4,000 calories per capita per day – the double of what each person needs. Sad to say but it’s also true: we are already producing enough for 9 to 12 billion people – but we discard a third of the harvest worldwide!

Farmers are adapting to climate change. Yes, there is climate change! The World Food Program estimates that under climate change scenarios, the risk of malnutrition for children will increase 20 percent by 2050 – meaning 24 million more children could soon suffer from it. Industrialized countries are therefore even more responsible for mitigating the effects of climate change. Südhoff believes this and so do I and many others on this globe.

LAZY DAYS

"Lazy Days" is a song by English singer-songwriter Robbie Williams. It was released in the United Kingdom on 14 July 1997 as the second single from his debut studio album, Life thru a Lens (1997). According to Williams, the song is about being young, optimistic about the future and not afraid of committing mistakes. The song became a top-10 hit in the United Kingdom, peaking at number eight on the UK Singles Chart. I just listened to it and got today's idea for my column.

Is it normal to have lazy days? Having the occasional lazy day should be a more widespread tradition. Rather than being seen as unproductive, a lazy day should be viewed as a day dedicated to well-deserved idle time and improved mental health. I even like to talk about more than a single day.

Doing nothing  brings a lot of positive impacts on your physical health by giving relaxation. Stay in your bed for the entire day, enjoy a sound sleep without any stress or work, and believe me, every muscle and bone of your body will feel refreshing because of the rest.

Indeed, you don't get anything for nothing in life. This is our life's main motto. This is our biography's epigraph - whether we like it or not. Many times, I stressed this already in different write-ups in distinct publications.

Hurray, doing nothing is really something. No, I am not talking about those people, who just hang out day-by-day and week-by-week by doing nothing and -maybe- just fed by someone. No, I mean doing nothing is really something great after a period  of really hard work. By the way, it doesn't matter, if it regards us or our children. 

I still remember several lazy summer days, sitting in the blazing sun (shouldn't be done anymore of course!), eating a Popsicle, getting all sticky, and running away from the bees. Of course, while still in Germany, those old lazy summer days turned into lazy winter days too. Lazy days shaped and characterized my whole (especially professional) life until now.

Relaxation, meditation and reinvigoration are needed. Life, affected by the "burnout syndrome" needs to reanimate with energy. Burnout is a condition in which people are emotionally, mentally, cognitively, and physically exhausted by their work responsibilities. Most people spend a significant portion of their time at work and, as a result, can easily become burned out.

So let's rest for a while to acquire new energy. 

Quirino Bridge in Bantay town, Ilocos Sur

 

ILOCOS SUR CUTOFF Quirino Bridge in Bantay town, Ilocos Sur, had two sections washed away by the swelling, raging river, its water thickened with mud, during the onslaught of Typhoon “Egay” in northern Luzon on Wednesday. Among the worst hit by the typhoon, Ilocos Sur and neighboring Ilocos Norte have been declared under a state of calamity. —JOHN NOEL ANDAYA/CONTRIBUTOR

Power of the roots: AboitizPower’s mangrove conservation initiatives

BY MANILA BULLETIN

  

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As communities feel the effects of a warming world, the importance of propagating and protecting mangroves stand out in the efforts to mitigate carbon emissions buildup. While already being able to sequester three to five times more carbon than forest trees, mangroves also do a lot more, serving as a habitat for various species in coastal ecosystems — hence, sustaining the livelihoods of fisherfolk — and as a protector of vulnerable communities against erosion and storm surges. 

Volunteers from public, private and civil society organizations work together at TMI, not just in planting mangroves, but also in fostering strong partnerships and creating a platform for knowledge exchange and shared responsibility in mangrove conservation.

In celebration of the International Day for Conservation of Mangroves, Aboitiz Power Corporation (AboitizPower) recognizes the tremendous importance of mangroves, as well as the exemplary efforts of its business units and stakeholders in helping conserve and restore mangrove forests in their communities. 

It takes a village to raise a mangrove ecosystem

In Maco, Davao de Oro, AboitizPower subsidiary Therma Marine, Inc. (TMI) celebrated Philippine Environmental Month last June with another one of its quarterly collaborations with the public sector and civil society organizations in cleaning the coast and planting mangroves within its vicinity.

“The first mangrove tree planting and clean-up drive took place in 2019, and since then, it has become a recurring event for TMI,” shared TMI Safety, Health and Environment Supervisor Chrisyl Garcia. “By organizing these activities on a regular basis, TMI is able to contribute to  the restoration of mangrove habitats and the overall well-being of coastal ecosystems.”

Volunteers from JCI Davaoeña Daba-Daba — a leadership organization of young Davaoeña achievers and active citizens — are immersed in mangrove planting at the Aboitiz Cleanergy Park.

“By conducting these events, TMI aims to raise awareness about the importance of mangroves and engage community members, volunteers, and employees in hands-on conservation efforts. The initiative has likely fostered a sense of environmental responsibility among participants,” she added.

On that single June day, a total of 110 kilograms of residual waste were collected, while 550 mangrove seedlings were planted. 

Over the years, TMI's mangrove planting and clean-up drive has consistently gained momentum, with increased participation from volunteers from the Diocese of Maco,  the Bureau of Fire Protection, the Philippine National Police (PNP), the 1001st Brigade, the Municipal Environment and Natural Resources Office (MENRO), the Community Environment and Natural Resources Office (CENRO), and local private company Gas Island Petroleum Corp.

“These stakeholders have played a crucial role in leading discussions on how to effectively plant the mangroves. Their expertise and experience have been invaluable in guiding the participants on the proper techniques and methods of planting mangrove saplings. They share their knowledge about the ideal planting locations, appropriate species selection, and necessary care and maintenance practices for the newly planted mangroves,” Garcia said.

This collaboration has enhanced the success and impact of TMI's mangrove planting and clean-up drives, ensuring that the activities are conducted in a well-informed and efficient manner.

“Overall, the consistent involvement of volunteers and leaders in discussing mangrove planting techniques underscores the collective effort and shared commitment towards the preservation and restoration of mangrove ecosystems,” Garcia reflected.

Adopt-a-mangrove

Meanwhile, in Mariveles, Bataan, GNPower Mariveles Energy Center Ltd. Co. (GMEC) officially kick-started its own efforts in mangrove conservation by signing a memorandum of agreement  (MOA) with development partners for an estimated P7-million “5 Hectares Orani Mangrove Adoption and Protection Project” that is expected to start implementation in September.

Under the MOA, GMEC partnered with the Provincial Government of Bataan, the Municipality of Orani, the Department of Environment and Natural Resources, and the Tubo-tubo Fisherfolks Association to improve the existing conditions of the mangrove areas in the allotted five hectares for a period of five years, which is subject for possible renewal.

Representatives from GMEC, the Provincial Government of Bataan, the Municipality of Orani, the Department of Environment and Natural Resources, and the Tubo-tubo Fisherfolks Association sign an MOA on mangrove adoption and protection.

“Through this initiative, we envision to improve the existing conditions of the mangrove areas in the Province of Bataan, starting in the Municipality of Orani,” said GMEC Associate Vice President for Community Relations Arcel Madrid. “Adopting a mangrove site is vital for coal-fired power plant companies like GMEC because mangrove forests play a significant role in mitigating climate change through carbon sequestration.”

“With these efforts, GMEC will also help uplift the lives of our community partner, the Tubo-tubo Fisherfolks Association, by providing a sustainable fishing ground and viable alternative livelihood to improve their socio-economic status,” he added.

In the longer run, GMEC looks forward to more mangrove site adoption projects and other corporate social responsibility endeavors that are aligned with local and national development goals.

A coastal stronghold

At the coastal area of Punta Dumalag, Davao, the Aboitiz Cleanergy Park stands as a sanctuary, not just of pawikans (turtles) and rare bird species, but also of mangrove biodiversity.

“It’s unbelievable how [the] Aboitiz [Foundation] has developed Punta Dumalag Cleanergy Park to what it is today,” said frequent visitor Cyra Quilaneta of Junior Chamber International (JCI) Davaoeña Daba-Daba. “The highlight for us [in visiting the park] is the education and experience it provides our members and their guests, especially the youth. We get to appreciate the importance of mangroves by seeing its functions personally — trapping [coastal] trashes and [supporting] turtle hatcheries.” 

The team at AboitizPower distribution unit Davao Light and Power Co., Inc. (Davao Light) spearhead the activities at the Cleanergy Park, which include educating students and guests by hosting tours, as well as assisting them with mangrove planting.

“JCI Davaoeña Daba-Daba, together with JCI Davao, is an organization that supports the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals, particularly #14: Life Below Water… By protecting and restoring mangroves, we contribute to overall sustainable development,” Cyra said.

To date, 18,138 mangroves have been planted at the Cleanergy Park. However, several natural and man-made factors  have rendered its survival rate at only 30 percent. 

“While [the] Aboitiz Foundation and its partners have made commendable strides in mangrove protection, the task is far from complete. Mangrove protection requires collective effort to be effective. Mangroves face numerous threats, including habitat loss, climate change impacts, pollution, and unsustainable resource extraction,” Cyra explained. “To ensure the long-term viability of mangrove ecosystems, ongoing efforts are necessary. Continuous awareness, education and action of more groups and organizations is crucial.”

“Sustainability remains at the core of AboitizPower and our business units have concretized this through their efforts in caring for mangrove ecosystems and the wider environment,” said AboitizPower president and CEO Manny Rubio. “I commend our team members for helping harness the collective efforts of the company, various partners, and host communities in bringing us closer to our aspiration of a better and cleaner tomorrow.”

EU envoy celebrates Filipinas’ World Cup win with ‘taho’

BY RAYMUND ANTONIO

  

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Filipinos may have grown up hearing “manong (seller)” shout taho, or silky tofu with sugar, every morning, but this is something new to try for European Union (EU) Ambassador to the Philippines Luc Veron who decided the taho was the perfect celebratory snack for the Filipinas’ first goal in the FIFA World Cup.

(Photos from EU Ambassador to the Philippines Luc Veron via Twitter)

In a tweet, the envoy added to his #MeriendaNiLuc series with the taho, a silky tofu topped with sugar syrup and small tapioca pearls that’s recently ranked 25th in the best street foods in the world by online travel guide TasteAtlas.

Veron even tweeted in the way sellers would usually shout at the top of their lungs to sell the popular morning snack. 

“Tahoo!!” he emulated in his tweet.

“To celebrate the @PilipinasWNFT win (Philippine flag) trying this iconic affordable snack that also recently won a place in the list of best street foods in the world!” he wrote.

Filipinas, the first Philippine football team to reach the World Cup, stunned New Zealand on Tuesday, July 25, after forward Sarina Bolden made the goal in the 24th minute of the team’s Group A clash.

With the win, the Philippines secured its first World Cup win to keep their hopes of progressing in the tournament alive. 

But as for the taho, Veron said he was told of its popularity among Filipinos.

“I am told this is a popular breakfast but is also perfect for #MeriendaNiLuc. Salamat po (Thank you), Mang Ronald!,” he posted.

Among the other native Filipino delicacies and snacks that the ambassador has tried in the past are the pichi-pichi, Choc Nut, Choco Mallows, Cream-O, and Minasa.

Proudly Filipino, Eggesvik ready for Norway on Sunday

BY MANILA BULLETIN SPORTS

  

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AT A GLANCE

• She caught the attention of Filipino fans during last year’s 10th AFF Women’s Championship where her midfield mastery and fluid play was in full display as the Filipinas bagged the country’s first major international title at the heritage-rich Rizal Memorial Stadium in Manila.

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AUCKLAND – Born in Norway but proudly Filipino, talented midfielder Sara Eggesvik will set her feelings aside and will be battle-ready as the Filipinas play the Gresshoppene (the Grasshoppers) in a critical match on Sunday, July 30, at the close of Group A in the FIFA Women’s World Cup at Eden Park here.

Sara Eggesvik (right) trying to mark New Zealand skipper Ali Riley.

“We have to put that aside when the game starts. I am playing for the Philippines. I will do my best to get a win and get points,” Eggesvik said emphatically shortly after the Filipinas upset the Ferns 1-0  for their historic first World Cup win at the Sky Stadium in Wellington last Tuesday.

Another of Australian coach Alen Stajcic’s prized finds, Eggesvik, whose father is Norwegian and mother from Davao, was born in the coastal city of Bodø (pronounced Budo), 1,188.5 kilometers northeast of the capital of Oslo and located near the Artic Circle. 

She caught the attention of Filipino fans during last year’s 10th AFF Women’s Championship where her midfield mastery and fluid play was in full display as the Filipinas bagged the country’s first major international title at the heritage-rich Rizal Memorial Stadium in Manila.

With a cross inside the box, Eggesvik  set up striker Sarina Bolden, whose smashing header in the 24th minute proved to be the winning marker that gave the Filipinas a new lease on life after suffering a 0-2 setback to Switzerland in Dunedin last week.

“I remember getting the ball in the 16-meter (box) and just crossed it. It was an amazing header by Sarina over three defenders.  Although it was only one goal we had to keep them away from goal the rest of the way. It was a team effort. I am just so glad and grateful. I am so proud of this team,” she said.

Trying to hold back her tears, Eggesvik, 26, said the victory over the fancied Ferns showed that “this team is really something special. It shows we can compete at this level and we will keep on fighting. 

It shows that it is possible to get a win, to get a goal and get points from our games. That motivates us. I am glad that we are not out already.”

She paid credit to Stajcic and the rest of the coaching staff “who keep on pushing us and making us better every day. We have always believed in ourselves even when we lost and played bad games. We will keep on playing hard.”

She acknowledged that while they would savor the winning moment, it would be back to the salt mines just as immediately in preparation for their crucial match against the top-ranked Norwegians composed of a bevy of superstars led by striker Ada Hegerberg, the 2018 Ballon d’Or winner.

“We have to restart again and think of the next game. Because it is coming soon, it is only a few days to go. We have to take advantage with what we have,” she said. “We want to see if we can create trouble and be competitive.  To  keep our heads down and keep fighting.”

While it appears to be a tall order, Eggesvik said that toppling Norway would not only mean advancing to the knockout round but  also will have a huge impact for football development back home.

“Going to the knockout stage, that would mean a lot. From being a small football country, we can inspire a lot of girls and boys to start playing football and show that it is possible to do something great although you are from the Philippines,” she stressed. 

Sara Eggesvik singing the “Lupang Hinirang,” the Philippine national anthem, before the game against New Zealand.

Sara Eggesvik (right) trying to mark New Zealand skipper Ali Riley.

Weather cyclone outside PH intensifies into tropical storm

By Arlie O. Calalo

July 28, 2023 20

THE state-run weather agency on Friday said the tropical depression outside the Philippine Area of Responsibility (PAR) has developed into a tropical storm called "Khanun."

In a 5 a.m. advisory, the Philippine Atmospheric Geophysical and Astronomical Services Administration (Pagasa) said Khanun was estimated at 1,315 kilometers east of Eastern Visayas.

Packing maximum sustained winds of 65 kilometers per hour (kph) near the center and gustiness of up to 80kph, it is moving west-southwestward at 15kph, Pagasa said.

Based on its forecast track, the tropical cyclone may enter PAR between late Saturday evening and Sunday morning.

Once inside PAR, the domestic name "Falcon" will be assigned to this tropical cyclone, the state weather bureau said.

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It will be the sixth storm to hit the country this year and the third this month, it added.

Likely to continuously intensify within the next five days, it may further escalate into a typhoon late Saturday evening or early Sunday morning.

"However, the hoisting of storm signals over any portion of the country due to this tropical cyclone is unlikely," Pagasa said.

Moreover, Pagasa said this may enhance the southwest monsoon locally known as "habagat," which will trigger occasional or monsoon rains across the country particularly over the western portions of Luzon and Visayas.

Meanwhile, Pagasa said that all storm signals have been lifted as Typhoon "Egay" exited PAR as it entered the Taiwan Strait and headed for Fujian, China.