Paolo Tancontian Re-Elected as Pilipinas Sambo Federation President, Leads Organization to New Heights

 

Davao City native Paolo Tancontian was re-elected as president of the Pilipinas Sambo Federation during an election held at a local hotel in Davao City on December 21, 2024. Tancontian, the founder of the Davao-based national sports association, will serve alongside his newly elected officers from 2025 to 2028.

"I am honored to have been re-elected as President of the Philippine Sambo Federation (PSFI). I extend my deepest appreciation to all our members for their unwavering support and belief in our shared vision: to elevate and expand the reach of Sambo within the Philippines. Together with our newly elected officers, we are committed to surpassing our previous accomplishments and driving Sambo to even greater heights. We will work tirelessly to ensure its continued growth and success. Maraming salamat po sa inyong tiwala at suporta," Tancontian said.

The newly elected officers include James Leetong as first vice president, Roselyn Dayanan as second vice president, Janet T. Sy as secretary general, and Rhea Mae Relampagos as treasurer. Additionally, Engr. Ralph Yee and Dr. Rover Magdale will serve as members of the board of directors. Several commissioners were also elected, as seen in the accompanying photo.

A Legacy of Excellence

Under Tancontian’s leadership, Pilipinas Sambo has achieved remarkable milestones on the international stage. Filipina athletes brought home three medals from global competitions in 2024, solidifying the country’s position in the sport.

At the 2024 World Beach SAMBO Championships in Casablanca, Morocco, held on September 7-8, Davao City natives Sydney Sy-Tancontian and Jeniva Consigna earned bronze medals in their respective categories. Consigna (-72kg) defeated Dauletzhan Nazereke of Kazakhstan in an impressive match, while Sy-Tancontian (+72kg) advanced to the semifinals after a thrilling victory over Guinea’s Sylla Ramatoulaye in the quarterfinals.

Adding to the federation’s achievements, Aislinn Yap claimed the gold medal in the 80kg Combat SAMBO Women's division at the 2024 World SAMBO Championships in Astana, Kazakhstan. Yap’s triumph as a world champion, along with strong performances from her teammates, underscores Pilipinas Sambo's growing reputation as an international contender.

Strengthening Grassroots Development

The Pilipinas Sambo Federation has also prioritized grassroots development. From December 16-22, 2024, the organization conducted training sessions for students of Sta. Ana National High School in Davao City. This initiative aims to nurture young talent and further expand the sport’s reach across the Philippines.

With his re-election, Paolo Tancontian is poised to lead the federation to even greater success, fostering a new generation of athletes while solidifying the country’s position in the global SAMBO community.

Panabo Chess Prodigy Shines with Double Silver in Asian Schools Chess Championships

 

Panabo City’s pride, Fide Master (FM) Christian Gian Karlo Arca, added another feather to his cap by clinching two silver medals at the 18th Asian Schools Chess Championships, held from December 1-12, 2024, in Bangkok, Thailand.

Arca delivered an impressive performance in the standard Under 17 category, securing second place after nine intense rounds. In the final round, FM Arca held FM Bolat Inayat of Kazakhstan to a draw, concluding with 6.5 points. His score matched that of tournament winner Vladimir Yusukphodzhaev of FIDE but fell short due to tiebreak criteria. Throughout the competition, Arca showcased his skill with four victories and five draws, proving his mettle on the international stage.

Adding to his individual success, FM Arca contributed significantly to the Philippines' stellar team performance. Alongside National Master (NM) Oscar Joseph Cantela and Lemmuel Jay Adena, the boys’ team amassed 17 points to secure the silver medal in the overall team rankings. The Philippine squad finished just half a point behind China, the tournament champions with 17.5 points.

Arca’s achievements reflect not only his dedication and talent but also the growing prominence of Filipino chess players on the global stage. His victories continue to inspire young athletes in Panabo City.(Bob Braceros)

Igniting Passion for SAMBO: Sta. Ana National High School Hosts 5-Day Training Seminar

 

Davao City, Philippines – Sta. Ana National High School, in collaboration with the Philippine Sambo Federation, Inc. (PSFI), is set to host an exciting Introduction to SAMBO seminar and training program. This five-day intensive event will take place from December 11 to 15, 2024, at the school grounds.

The seminar aims to introduce young athletes and martial arts enthusiasts to the dynamic world of SAMBO, a Russian martial art that blends wrestling, judo, and boxing techniques. Participants will gain hands-on experience from some of the country’s top SAMBO professionals, including:

Godwin Langbayan – Jiujitsu World Champion

Robin Catalan – SEA Games Gold Medalist

Orlando Castillo Jr. – MMA Champion

Head Coach Ace Larida

Sydney Tancontian – FIAS Athletes Commission Chairperson and multi-medalist in SAMBO

The training sessions will cover essential techniques in combat and sport SAMBO, while also exploring the sport’s history, rules, and etiquette.

This initiative is spearheaded by PSFI President Paolo Tancontian, in partnership with Sta. Ana National High School’s Principal Welito Rosal and Roselyn Dayanan, with the support of the Philippine Sports Commission and the Office of DepEd Secretary Eduardo Angara.

An estimated 200 participants are expected to join this transformative event, promising an enriching experience for aspiring athletes and martial arts enthusiasts alike.

About SAMBO

Originating from Russia, SAMBO—short for SAMozashchita Bez Oruzhiya (self-defense without weapons)—is a martial art celebrated for its effectiveness in sport and self-defense. With its unique combination of wrestling, judo, and striking techniques, it continues to captivate combat sports enthusiasts worldwide.

Mark your calendars and be part of this extraordinary journey into the art of SAMBO!

Pro Life UK embarks on Takaful education roadshow, starts with Davao and Cagayan de Oro

  

Atty. Mehol Sadain, Senior Professorial Lecturer at the Institute of Islamic Studies, University of the Philippines in Diliman, shared about Islamic finance and Shari’ah principles.

Pru Life UK, the first insurer in the Philippines to receive a Takaful or Islamic insurance license from the Insurance Commission, has embarked on a Takaful education roadshow. This aims to educate and engage key stakeholders—including select agents, the media, and local communities—on Shari’ah and Takaful. Pilot Takaful education sessions were conducted in both Davao City and Cagayan de Oro, enhancing understanding of Islamic insurance principles and fostering dialogues and collaboration with stakeholders.

The leading life insurer’s Takaful journey aligns with the company’s mission to enhance financial inclusion to more Filipino families by offering Takaful insurance, one that is compliant with Islamic rules and principles. Watch this video to know more. 

To date, the roadshow provided more than 200 agents, community leaders and members, and the media with knowledge of Islamic finance, Shari’ah rules, and the distinct features of Takaful.

“Pru Life UK is committed to creating meaningful financial solutions for all Filipinos. The introduction of Takaful will open doors for millions of Muslim and non-Muslim Filipinos who previously had limited access to insurance products. The sessions in Davao and Cagayan de Oro form part of our mission to educate our stakeholders across sectors about Takaful.” shared Atty. Paul Mandal, Pru Life UK Senior Vice President and Chief Legal, Government Relations, and Sustainability Officer.

At the education session, Maricel Estavillo, Pru Life UK’s Vice President for Government Relations & Sustainability discussed Takaful and Atty. Mehol Sadain, Senior Professorial Lecturer at the Institute of Islamic Studies, University of the Philippines covered Islamic finance and Shari’ah rules and principles. Pru Life UK also conducted sideline meetings and dialogues with stakeholders from Muslim Filipino communities and the religious sector. 

Pru Life UK’s Takaful offering reinforces the company’s ongoing efforts to support the Philippine government's goal of expanding Islamic finance, especially in regions with large Muslim populations such as Mindanao. 

This operation is designed to address the gap in the Islamic financial system by introducing a life insurance product that adheres to Shari’ah-compliant principles of mutual cooperation, risk-sharing, and ethical considerations.

Among Muslims, Pru Life UK aims to serve close to seven (7) million Muslim Filipinos across the country, especially families in underserved communities such as the Bangsamoro Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao (BARMM) and the Zamboanga Peninsula. Takaful is also set to broaden the insurance options of non-Muslims in the country. 

Paolo Tancontian Strengthens Grassroots Sports Development with Fresh Strategies

 

Pilipinas Sambo President Paolo Tancontian continues to champion grassroots sports development, staying true to his vision of empowering young athletes with opportunities to achieve their dreams through sports.

Freshly inspired by his participation in the prestigious Singapore Olympic Academy’s annual sessions, Tancontian is eager to implement the strategies and insights he gained during the week-long seminar. These new approaches will play a pivotal role in shaping the character and foundational skills of aspiring athletes.

Coinciding with the Pilipinas Sambo Grassroots Development Program in Davao City from December 16-22, Tancontian’s fresh perspectives are expected to enhance the organization’s already robust initiatives.

“Pilipinas Sambo has always been deeply committed to grassroots development because most of our national athletes today come from this level,” Tancontian emphasized.

The event will gather around 7,000 participants, including students and teaching staff from Sta. Ana National High School. Tancontian highlighted the importance of instilling correct fundamentals, techniques, and discipline among the participants.

“We’ll teach techniques that they can use daily, making them a way of life. Starting with the right fundamentals is crucial for long-term success—every step must be precise from the very beginning,” he shared.

The Pilipinas Sambo national team will spearhead the training sessions, with World Jiujitsu Champion Godwin Amos Langbayan also joining the seminar to inspire the participants.

“Our national team members will serve as role models, showing the students that they, too, started from grassroots programs just like this,” Tancontian said.

As he looks forward to the event, Tancontian fondly recalls Pilipinas Sambo’s humble beginnings in 2015. His dedication to nurturing young talents underscores his belief in the power of sports to transform lives and communities.

Samal and Davao City Boys Shine in Chess at 2025 Batang Pinoy Games

 

The Island Garden City of Samal (IGaCoS) and Davao City boys' chess teams made a strong statement in the ongoing 2025 Batang Pinoy Games in Puerto Princesa, Palawan, dominating the competition with multiple medals.

Samal’s chess prodigies claimed a remarkable haul of medals. Ralz Jaweh Devibar led the charge by winning gold in the 12-and-under Individual Blitz category. Teaming up with Marco Gerald Prieto, they also clinched gold in the 12-and-under Blitz Team event. Devibar continued his stellar performance, bagging another gold in the Rapid category, while he and Prieto secured a bronze medal in the Team Rapid event.

Meanwhile, Davao City’s boys' chess team also showcased exceptional talent, settling for silver in both the 12-and-under Individual Blitz and Team Blitz categories.

The achievements of these young chess players highlight the exceptional training and dedication invested in developing local talents. As the Batang Pinoy Games continue, all eyes are on the Mindanao-based teams to deliver more outstanding performances.(Bob Braceros)

For the People: Councilor Javi Garcia Campos Announces Bid for Congress with a Commitment to Davao's Second District

 

Davao City,— Second District Councilor Javi Garcia Campos announced his congressional bid on November 9, speaking to residents of Barangay Communal about his intention to elevate his public service and ensure that the needs of his district remain prioritized. Campos, who comes from a lineage of public servants, is the eldest grandson of the late Nonoy Garcia, the longtime congressman of the second district. With his candidacy, he aims to continue his family’s 40-year legacy of service and provide meaningful choices to his constituents.

Campos emphasized that his decision to run for a higher office was rooted in a principle of putting the people first, even if it means aligning with the current administration. He noted that in a democratic country like the Philippines, siding with the majority in government can bring real benefits in terms of funding and projects that support the welfare of local communities.

"In a choice between a political party and the people, it is always a logical and moral choice to pick the people," Campos stated. By aligning with the administration, he said he hopes to secure the necessary resources that will uplift the lives of residents in Davao's second district.

Campos’s candidacy not only continues his family's tradition of public service but also aims to give residents the power to choose their leaders. By running for congress, he seeks to advocate for the people’s interests directly, ensuring that their voices are heard in national discussions.

As election season approaches, Campos’s message of commitment to the people of the second district resonates, offering them a chance to engage in a leadership that prioritizes their welfare and legacy of dedicated public service.

Pilipinas Sambo Shines on the World Stage: Three Medals in 2024 Under Paolo Tancontian’s Leadership

 

The year 2024 has been a banner year for Pilipinas Sambo, the Davao City-based national sports association dedicated to the Russian martial art of Sambo. Under the guidance of President Paolo Tancontian, the organization has achieved unprecedented success, with Filipina athletes securing three medals in international competitions.

Davao City natives Sydney Sy-Tancontian and Jeniva Consigna brought pride to the Philippines by winning bronze medals at the 2024 World Beach SAMBO Championships, held on September 7-8 in Casablanca, Morocco. Competing in the -72kg category, Consigna showcased exceptional skill, clinching her bronze by defeating Dauletzhan Nazereke of Kazakhstan. Sy-Tancontian, competing in the +72kg category, also delivered a stellar performance. She advanced to the semifinals after an intense quarterfinal victory over Sylla Ramatoulaye from Guinea.

Adding to this success, Aislinn Yap emerged as a world champion, winning gold in the 80kg Combat SAMBO Women's division at the 2024 World SAMBO Championships in Astana, Kazakhstan. Yap’s teammates in the tournament also achieved strong world rankings, further establishing Pilipinas Sambo as a competitive force internationally.

Tancontian, a proud Davaoeño, expressed his happiness over the team’s accomplishments this year. Confident that 2025 holds even greater potential, he attributes the association’s progress to a strong grassroots program that continues to nurture young talent across the country. With Tancontian’s vision and leadership, Pilipinas Sambo is well on its way to becoming a powerhouse in the global Sambo community.

Digos City's Rising Star Jhonard Clarito Named PBA's Most Improved Player of 2024

 

Jhonard Clarito, a versatile basketball player hailing from Digos City, Davao del Sur, has been honored as the Philippine Basketball Association’s (PBA) Most Improved Player for 2024. Playing for the Rain or Shine Elasto Painters, Clarito’s rise in the league has been both unexpected and inspiring, proving that hard work and dedication can yield incredible results.

Drafted 17th overall in the second round of the 2022 PBA draft, the former Cor Jesu College standout has displayed a well-rounded game and remarkable consistency over the past two seasons. Clarito’s success as a low-draft pick, combined with his solid performances on the court, earned him this prestigious award, marking him as one of the league’s emerging talents.

Much like his townmate, Barangay Ginebra’s Scottie Thompson, Clarito is known for his skills in rebounding and scoring—a reputation he built during his amateur days with the San Juan Knights, where he helped lead the team to championships in the Maharlika Pilipinas Basketball League (MPBL). Clarito’s commitment to delivering double-doubles has not only advanced his team’s efforts but also impressed fans and coaches across the league.

Reflecting on his former player’s achievement, Cor Jesu College basketball team coach Babols Senarillos expressed his pride and joy. "Jhonard's dedication and hard work have paid off, and I couldn't be prouder of his journey from Digos to the big stage," said Senarillos. Clarito’s success serves as an inspiration for aspiring athletes from Digos City and beyond, showing that big dreams are within reach for those willing to chase them.(Bob Braceros)

"Anthony Elorde, 'The Great Wall of Davao,' Shines in AFC U17 Asian Cup Qualifiers"

 

Davao City’s rising football talent, Anthony Elorde, made waves as he represented the Philippines in the AFC U17 Asian Cup 2025 Qualifiers held in Cambodia from October 19 to 27. A member of the CR7 Football Club and a student at Southpoint School of Davao, Elorde played a pivotal role in the team’s strong defense, earning the nickname "The Great Wall of Davao."

Throughout the tournament, Elorde's defensive prowess was instrumental in helping the Philippines secure two victories, including an impressive 2-0 win against host team Cambodia. His speed and agility on the field reflect the athletic lineage of his family—he is a descendant of the late Filipino boxing legend Flash Elorde.

Despite their determined performance and two wins in four matches, the Philippine team narrowly missed advancing to the playoff round. However, Elorde’s impressive play and solid defense provided a promising glimpse into the future of Philippine football and cemented his reputation as a force to be reckoned with on the field.