Isleta tops the 100 Individual Medley.

South Cotabato top swimmer Jie Angela Talosig came out with two huge victories even as veteran internationalist Chloe Isleta continued her dominance winning two more gold medals on Thursday in the penultimate day of the Philippine Aquatics, Inc. (PAI) National Trials 25-meter short course at the Teofilo Yldefonso Swimming Pool in Malate, Manila.

Members of the Philippine Paralympic team for Paris Para Games.

Not to be outdone by their Olympic counterparts, the country’s standard-bearers will be parading in ethnic-inspired uniforms and dresses designed by no less than celebrated “Weave Artiste” and fashion designer Ditta Sandico during the 17th  Paralympic Games opening ceremony at the iconic Place de Concorde and Champs Elysees on Aug. 29 in Paris, France.

Senator Chiz Escudero (center) joins AFAD Officials led by president Edwin Lim (second from left) in the ribbon cutting signaling the start of the 30th Arms Show.

By Edwin Rollon

Senate President Senator Francis ‘Chiz’ Escudero hailed the resiliency of the local firearms manufacturer and dealers and vowed to give the industry just like any other sector the full support and protection from the government.

AFAD president Edwin Lim (right) and Aric Topacio announce an exciting program

World-class imported and locally made sporting firearms and shooting products all highlighting innovations and safety features will be on full display as the Association of Firearms and Ammunition Dealers, Inc. (AFAD) hosts the first of two parts in this year’s 30th Defense and Sporting Arms Show starting Wednesday (August 21) at the SMX Convention Center in Pasay City.

The top three finishers in the men's open class.

PalawanPay, the country's fastest-growing e-wallet from the leading pawning and remittance company under the Palawan Group of Companies, successfully hosted the PalawanPay Marathon recently at Mendoza Park in Puerto Princesa City, Palawan.

This year's marathon attracted runners of varying levels, backgrounds, and cultures. While many participants have joined for the fun and experience, several seasoned runners used the event to achieve personal records. About 1,751 runners participated in five distance categories: 3K, 5K, 10K, 21K, and 42K. This year's turnout improved from last year's edition, which saw over 1,000 participants.

"We are so proud of this event because, for us, the success of the PalawanPay Marathon allows us to form a stronger relationship with our customers and partners," said Bobbit Castro, Chief Operations Officer of Palawan Group of Companies. "This is also a great opportunity for us to send the message that PalawanPay is for everyone and that it's a digital wallet that you can depend on because it's fast, convenient, and most importantly, secure."

Three race categories had prizes for the winners. In the 42K All Nations Men's category, Eric Chepsiror, David Kipsang, and Jerome Casinillo were the top three finishers. In the 42K All Nations Women's category on the other hand, Artjoy Torregosa, Maricar Camacho, Lesly, and Amm Wabingga were the first three to cross the finish line. The top 3 finishers in this category took home cash prizes of P25,000, P20,000, and P15,000, respectively. Lastly, in the 21K race, Mc Xavier Martinez and Jila Antonio bagged the top prize of P15,000 in the men's and women's categories, respectively.

With the successful staging of the PalawanPay Marathon, Castro has pledged that next year’s event will be even bigger and more exciting. “We’re confident that next year’s race will attract even more participants from across the Philippines and abroad. PalawanPay remains committed to delivering reliable, fast, and efficient financial services while introducing new features relevant to our growing customer base. Just as we offer hassle-free service through our app, pawnshops, and remittance centers, we aim to provide a seamless and enjoyable experience for all marathon participants, ensuring they have the best possible race experience.”

As a leading provider of money remittance and pawning services, the Palawan Group of Companies remains committed to advancing financial inclusion and helping Filipinos improve financially. The PalawanPay Marathon exemplifies the company’s win-win approach, supporting inclusive sports and promoting community wellness while reinforcing its dedication to providing reliable and affordable financial services.

ABOUT PALAWAN GROUP OF COMPANIES:

The Palawan Group of Companies comprises products and services such as Palawan Pawnshop, Palawan Express Pera Padala, Palawan ProtekTODO, Palawan Credit, and PalawanPay. A brand trusted by Filipinos for 38 years, PGC  is one of the fastest-growing financial institutions in the country.  With its strength in remittance and pawning services, the company is the market leader in the industry and has over 25,000 branches, Pera Padala outlets, and PalawanPay Money Shops nationwide.

Palawan Group of Companies offers pawnbroking services, domestic and international remittances, microinsurance, bill payment, electronic mobile phone loading, cash-in of e-wallets, money exchange, ATM withdrawal, and cash disbursements.

Palawan Group of Companies introduced PalawanPay, an e-wallet app that lets you send and receive remittances anytime, anywhere. PalawanPay app is the company’s latest digital solution for faster, safer, and easier transactions that gives users access to other financial services such as bill payment, e-cellphone load top-ups,  and scan-to-pay QRPH codes. The app now features integrated functionality for pawn renewal and international remittances.

 Palawan Pawnshop, Palawan Express Pera Padala, and PalawanPay are supervised by the Bangko Sentral ng Pilipinas. For more information, go to Palawan Pawnshop and PalawanPay Websites.

Carlos Yulo expresses his gratitude for his his father's support.

Cynthia Carrion, the accommodating president of the Gymnastics Association of the Philippines (GAP), offered only one but could be the most heartwarming advice to Paris Olympic double gold medalist gymnast Carlos ‘Caloy’ Yulo – stay humble.