by Penny Angeles-Tan | Jan 22, 2025 | Awards and Competitions
Manila, Philippines — The Philippine delegation made waves at the prestigious Waterjet World Cup 2024, held last December in Pattaya, Thailand. Representing the country with determination and skill, the team returned with remarkable achievements and unforgettable experiences. Their journey was not without challenges, but it was these very challenges that highlighted their resilience and passion for the sport.
This year’s event marked a significant milestone for the Philippines, with seven young athletes aged 14 to 22 proudly carrying the nation’s flag. These rising stars not only conquered the waters but also bravely navigated the challenges of competing at an elite level against the world’s best. Their exceptional performances underscore the determination, discipline, and passion that define the Philippine delegation.

Vito Tinio
At just 14 years old, Vito Tinio excelled in the Junior 13-15 category, finishing as World No. 4 in Spark Stock. “Every race tested my grit and focus,” Vito shared. He also claimed the championship title at the Kundang Jet Sports Malaysia Seadoo Junior Time Attack 2024. “I had to remain calm under pressure and concentrate on improving with each round,” he added, highlighting his remarkable composure.
Cody Lorenzo Pontino proudly earned the title of World Champion in the Novice Ski Stock category, showcasing his skill and determination. “The toughest part was staying consistent throughout the competition. Every race felt like an opportunity to prove what I’m capable of,” Cody shared.

Kristine Mercado
Sisters Kristine Kate and Kayla Marie Povadora Mercado, the pride of the Philippines, excelled in the Women Runabout 1100 Stock category.
Kristine emerged as the Triple Crown Champion, while Kayla secured 2nd place in the series. “It’s not just about competing; it’s about representing the Philippines and inspiring others,” said Kristine.
Kayla added, “Being part of this journey with my sister made the experience even more special.”
Angelo Iñigo A. Ventus is a remarkable competitor in the field, having secured multiple titles across different continents. He has earned the prestigious title of Overall Triple Crown Champion. “Competing on the global stage is not only exhilarating but also incredibly demanding. The key is to adapt to different courses and maintain mental strength,” Angelo explained.
His resilience in the face of tough competition has enabled him to achieve numerous accolades, including the Novice Runabout Stock Champion titles in both Europe and America, along with a 3rd Place finish in Thailand.

Marchael Louie Buhisan
The team’s diversity and camaraderie were evident during the competition. Marchael Louie Buhisan placed 2nd in the Endurance Open and 3rd in the Pro-Am 1100 Open, finding the balance between endurance and speed to be the ultimate challenge.

Jesse Arcilla
Jesse Arcilla, one of the youngest riders, shared his thoughts on the growth he experienced from competing with seasoned athletes: “It’s an honor to race on such a significant stage. I’m learning so much from each competition.”
Their coach and mentors believe that these young athletes embody the spirit of Filipino excellence. “They have shown that, regardless of their age, they can confront challenges directly, adapt to pressure, and excel against the best in the world,” said their coach, highlighting the team’s dedication.
While the delegation celebrates its achievements, it aims to inspire the next generation of Filipino athletes. Their collective story embodies perseverance, teamwork, and a steadfast desire to elevate the nation in the world of water sports.
Jesse Arcilla
- WGP#1 Water Jet World Cup 2024:
- 9th Place, Women Runabout 1100 Stock
Kristine Kate Povadora Mercado
- WGP#1 Waterjet World Series/Triple Crown 2024:
- Champion, Women Runabout 1100 Stock
- Poland Grand Prix: Champion
- SBT WGP#1 World Finals: 2nd Place
- WGP#1 Water Jet World Cup 2024: 4th Place
Angelo Iñigo A. Ventus
- WGP#1 Asian Championships Osaka, Japan 2024:
- Champion, Novice 1100 Stock
- WGP#1 World Series Europe, Poland:
- Champion, Novice Runabout Stock
- 3rd in Novice 1100 Stock
- WGP#1 World Series America, USA:
- World Champion, Novice Runabout Stock
- WGP#1 Water Jet World Cup 2024, Thailand:
- 3rd in Novice Runabout Stock
- 4th in Novice 1100 Stock
- Overall Triple Crown Champion
Cody Lorenzo Pontino
- WGP#1 Water Jet World Cup 2024:
- World Champion, Novice Ski Stock
Kayla Marie Povadora Mercado
- WGP#1 Waterjet World Series:
- 2nd Place, Women Runabout 1100 Stock
- Poland Grand Prix: 4th Place
- SBT WGP#1 World Finals: 6th Place
- WGP#1 Water Jet World Cup 2024: 6th Place
Vito Tinio
- WGP#1 Water Jet World Cup 2024:
- World No. 4, Junior 13-15 Spark Stock
- Kundang Jet Sports Malaysia Seadoo Junior Time Attack 2024: Champion
Marchael Louie Buhisan
- WGP#1 Waterjet World Series 2024:
- 2nd Place, Endurance Open
- 3rd Place, Pro-Am 1100 Open
- WGP#1 Water Jet World Cup 2024:
- 3rd Place, Pro-Am 1100 Open
The delegation’s success represents a collective achievement, reflecting the unwavering support of the athletes’ families and the guidance of their coaches. This accomplishment highlights the growing prominence of Filipinos in the waterjet sports arena and serves as an inspiration for future generations to excel in water sports and beyond.
These young athletes have not only demonstrated the capabilities of Filipinos but have also made a significant impact on the global stage. May their journey ignite dreams and motivate the next wave of champions!
by Ferry Bayu | Jul 3, 2024 | Awards and Competitions
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This Press Release has also been published on VRITIMES
by Penny Angeles-Tan | Feb 29, 2024 | Awards and Competitions
BingoPlus, your comprehensive entertainment and amusement platform and the first online Bingo app in the country added to the liveliness of The Manila Times’ Himig Bayani 2024: Battle of the Uniformed Service Bands last February 9, 2024, held at Winford Hotel Sta. Cruz Manila.
Together with The Manila Times, BingoPlus gave an avenue for the Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) and the Philippine National Police (PNP) to express themselves through music. Eight bands took to the stage and performed songs from a variety of genres, including some original pieces.

Cookie Chua and BingoPlus representative
The judging lineup featured Hon. Michael Ang, Wency Cornejo, Cooky Chua, Janina Lorelai, and a BingoPlus representative. The Philippine Navy Seabees Band came out on top as the winner of the battle of the bands, bagging ₱100,000.00.
BingoPlus picked out its own winner for the BingoPlus Choice Award. The PNP was chosen for its audience impact and received a cheque worth ₱10,000.00 for their efforts.


On top of providing an additional incentive to win, BingoPlus also set up a booth outside the venue. Booth visitors were given the chance to play a Wheel of Fortune game and win different types of BingoPlus merchandise.
BingoPlus’ partnership with The Manila Times comes from its commitment that music plays a significant role in the Philippine lifestyle, both as a hobby and as a source of entertainment. It saw Himig Bayani 2024 as an opportunity to encourage further interest in music, particularly in local talent.
As brands dedicated to the relaxation of Filipinos and the development of Philippine culture, ArenaPlus, and BingoPlus remain steadfast in supporting local sports, recreational, and leisure activities. They continue to work on developing avenues and opportunities to make leisure and sports more accessible and relevant to Filipinos.
BingoPlus and ArenaPlus proudly stand as flagship brands under Digiplus Interactive Corp, solidifying its position as a leading gaming and leisure provider in the country. For more updates, visit www.bingoplus.com and www.arenaplus.net or download the apps now via the App Store and Google Play.
by Ferry Bayu | Sep 1, 2023 | Awards and Competitions
The Asia Artist Awards 2023 will be held in the Philippines
The Asia Artist Awards 2023 (AAA) will be held in the Philippines.
Various Korean outlets have first reported the happy story with Star News saying the 2023 AAA will take place on December 14 at the Philippine Arena.
Running the same press release, Naver says the event is “where you can meet the movie, drama, and K-pop stars who have shined this year in one place.”
Both outlets have said the event will be co-hosted by Pulp Live World — alongside Star News, the Asia Arts Awards Organizing Committee, and TONZ Entertainment.
While the Philippine concert promoters have yet to announce anything on social media, a representative from Pulp Live World has confirmed the news to be true.
“Yes it is true,” the Pulp representative said to GMA News Online on email and SMS, adding they will be sending more details in the days to come.
Yes, we also cannot wait!
Asia Artist Awards is “the first integrated awards ceremony in Korea” that recognizes actors and singers. It first took place in 2016.
starnewskorea.com2023 아시아 아티스트 어워즈(AAA), 12월 14일 필리핀 개최[공식] – 스타뉴스글로벌 NO.1 시상식 ‘Asia Artist Awards(아시아 아티스트 어워즈)’가 오는 12월 14일 필리핀에서 열린다. 스타뉴스가 주최하는 ‘2023 Asia Artist Awards IN PHILIPPINE'(이하 ‘2023 AAA’)는 오는 12월 14일 필리핀 ‘필리핀 아레나(PHILIPPINE ARENA)’에서 개최를 확정, 차원이 다른…
This Press Release has also been published on VRITIMES
by Penny Angeles-Tan | Aug 11, 2023 | Awards and Competitions
ADM Philippines was recently awarded the Excellent Performance recognition in Commercial Feedmill for Swine by the Livestock Philippines 2023 organizers at the World Trade Center in Manila.
ADM is one of the leading animal feed manufacturers in the Philippines and has been doing business there for over 20 years, assisting and supporting the country’s livestock and poultry producers. ADM Philippines’ feedmills are situated in strategic locations. They are equipped with state-of-the-art machinery and technology that allows the company to produce high-quality feed products that are safe, nutritious and affordable.
The company’s feedmill for swine is certified by the Department of Agriculture’s (DA) Bureau of Animal Industry (BAI), which assures ADM’s customers that the company’s feed products meet the high standards of quality and safety set by the DA.
“Receiving this award is a way of being recognized for ADM’s achievements and efforts in helping the country achieve vital food security. This is a testament to our Philippine farmers who continuously grow their businesses in pig farming through the technology we provide in our animal feed,” said Dr. Lorenzo Mapua, Managing Director of ADM’s animal nutrition business in the Philippines.
Livestock Philippines has always been at the forefront of international B2B events dedicated to the livestock, poultry, aquaculture, feeds and meat sectors. Attendees can access various technical seminars, conferences, and other activities that ignite knowledge concerning market trends, news, research, and the latest industry developments. The biennial event has been helping to promote and contribute to the growth of the said industries. ADM is also committed to improving by introducing innovative products and services.

ONE WITH THE PRESIDENT. ADM Philippines is committed to providing the country’s livestock and poultry producers with new technologies and quality products to improve the industry’s production and business. Dr. Aileen V. Guerrero, Marcomms and Brand Experience Manager joins the guest of honors led by President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. and Senator Cynthia Villar during the opening ceremony of Livestock Philippines 2023.
President Ferdinand Marcos Jr., currently acting Department of Agriculture Secretary, was the guest of honor as he formally opened this year’s event.
In addition to the Excellent in Performance in Commercial Feedmill for Swine recognition, ADM Philippines was also awarded the Sustainability Booth Design Award for Creativity. This builds on the accolades ADM earned last year with its Sustainability Booth Design Award for Information.
by Penny Angeles-Tan | Jul 31, 2023 | Awards and Competitions
Luciano Armand Copok recently made headlines by winning Bronze in the 4th Copernicus Math Olympiad and 2 Championships for Golf in the US Kids Hudson Valley Tour and the Oceanside Invitational by SCJGT, all held in the USA.
Luciano Armand, 14 Years old and a Grade 8 Student from British School Manila, has remarkable success in both fields as he juggles his studies and training simultaneously.

Luciano Armand Copok and Francis Deinmel Legaspi
In the recently concluded 4th Copernicus Math Olympiad Global Round, He won Bronze in the “Grade 7 – 8” division out of over 100 finalists from 22 countries, demonstrating his intelligence and dedication to the subject. Fellow Filipino Math Wizard Francis Deinmel Legaspi also won in his category.
The Copernicus Olympiad is an international competition joined by students from Grades 3 to Grade 12, which aims to enhance and develop their potential by honing their logical deduction abilities and connecting with a like-minded group of people from around the globe.

Luciano Armand Copok at Thunderhart
Luciano Armand was also named Champion for two separate US golf tournaments. He first competed in the US Kids Hudson Valley Tour for Boys 13-14 Years Old Category last July 8 in Freehold, New York. Then moved and claimed another Championship in Oceanside Invitational by SCJGT last July 18 in Ormond Beach, Florida.
His success is a testament to the power of hard work and dedication. He has proven that it is possible to excel at two seemingly unrelated activities and that it is possible to achieve success even when it requires juggling two different pursuits.
Armand’s Mom, Ms. Tiffany Chua Copok, is thankful for the support they received for their son’s competition journey.

Tiffany Chua Copok, proud mom of Luciano. Cheers!
The success of Luciano Armand in both the Math Olympiad and the Golf Tournaments is a reminder of the power of hard work and dedication and a testament that it is possible to succeed in multiple fields.
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