23 July 2014 – The one month celebration of the 116th Anniversary of the Proclamation of Philippine Independence in Vientiane, People’s Democratic Republic of Laos (Lao PDR), as organized by the Philippine Embassy, culminated with the awarding ceremony of the 3rd annual “Palaro sa Vientiane, Lao PDR 2014” at the Vientiane International School Indoor Gymnasium on June 29. The ceremony was attended by participants in the six featured events, namely men’s basketball, men and women’s volleyball, mixed doubles badminton, bowling, and chess.
The awarding ceremony started with a speech from Philippine Ambassador to Lao PDR Maria Lumen B. Isleta, who thanked the members of the Filipino community, especially those who travelled all the way from Xayabury province in northern Laos (an eight hour land trip), for their participation in the sports festival. Ambassador Isleta noted the high quality and level of competitiveness of the athletes in the different sporting events. She also recognized the contributions of the Sports Committee members, sponsors, as well as the efforts of Embassy staff and personnel, into making the Palaro a success.
The Best in Uniform award was given to the “Philippine National Bowling Team,” which members all wore matching beige khaki pants red polo shirts emblazoned with the Philippine flag during the opening ceremony and during the bowling matches.
Mr. Ruben Lampaya and Ms. Vanessa Cresino were declared champions in the badminton – mixed doubles event, while the pairs of Mr. Rudrick Cabristante/Ms. Lira Malazarte and Mr. Resty Padel/Ms. Faith Ruth Villanueva bagged the 1st runner-up and 2nd runner-up positions, respectively.
Mr. Melchor Guimba won the chess tournament for a record 3rd consecutive year, with Mr. Bobby Aldea coming in at 2nd place and Mr. Vidal Tatad at 3rd place.
In the bowling – group event, team “Marvel”, led by Mr. Riztil Zabala, took home the championship trophy as Mr. Erwin Mabunga’s team “Desolation of Smaug” and Mr. Joe Bejo’s “Berean” team placed 2nd and 3rd, respectively. Zabala also won the “High Game” award, garnering 159 points in a single game while Mr. Van Roy Bolisay of the “Philippine National Bowling Team” was awarded the “High Series” award – garnering a total of 420 points for three games.
In men’s volleyball, the “Wattalone” team won the championship game against the “Great White” team, and the “Blue Hawks” team was declared 2nd runner-up as the “Yellow Spikers” team was declared in default. Mr. Jose Nelmar Tolentino of the “Wattalone” was adjudged “Most Valuable Player” in this event.
The “Blue Raiders” team won the championship in women’s volleyball, as “Power Pinays” and “Polar Bear” teams came in second and third, respectively. Ms. Irene Tolentino was voted “Most Valuable Player” in this event.
In the basketball event, the “Whessoe Blue” overcame the “Vientiane Eagles” to nab the 3rd place, while home team “Vientiane Tamaraws” prevailed against Xayabury powerhouse “Whessoe White” to win the championship game. END