NUVALI Dirt Weekend 2013

Country’s first-ever Mountain Bike National Championship set to recognize Filipino athletes & help rebuild homes in Iloilo.

Spent three days witnessing, from November 15 to 17, 2013, NUVALI became a virtual cycling mecca when they gathered cyclists from all over the country for the biggest and first-ever Mountain Bike National Championship happened at Sta. Rosa, Laguna, the NUVALI Dirt Weekend 2013.

On its fifth year, the sprawling Laguna community south of Manila hosted the first UCI National Mountain Bike Championships divided into three thrilling, action-packed events namely Cross Country Olympics, Downhill-Individual, and Four Cross Race.

Winners of the National championships was able get the all-important points from no less than the Switzerland-based world governing body Union Cyclist International (UCI) that allow riders to race in specific international races that require points, and also help in the ranking of the national riders that becomes an advantage in their positions at the start and during important races like the SEAGAMES, Asian Games, Asian Championships and other registered UCI races.

The premier sports venue believes in the Filipino cyclist’s talent, which is further attested to by UCI and national federation Integrated Cycling Confederation of the Philippines (Philcycling). This year’s Dirt Weekend theme “Pilipinong Siklista” showcases the quality and future of professional cyclists in the country.

NUVALI Dirt Weekend 2013 distinguishes itself from previous editions as it features more events and races for professional cyclists and bike enthusiasts and beginner cyclists can take part in. Aside from the three UCI Registered events (XCO, DHI and 4X), NUVALI Dirt Weekend 2013 also features six Non-UCI registered mountain bike events namely NUVALI 30kms XC RACE and 24 Hour Race and the Philippine Duathlon Series Championships, Kid’s Championship Race, Fixie events (Fixie Criterium Championships and Fixie Alley Cat), and Folding Bike Bi-Modal Ride.

In keeping with the 2,290-hectare Ayala Land development’s thrust toward a community steeped in sustainable living, NUVALI’s flagship outdoor cycling event joined the celebration of the Climate Change Week through a cycling activity with the Climate Change Commission. Dubbed as the Folding Bike Bi-Modal Ride, about 100 folding bikers are expected to bike to a pick up point (Trinoma and BGC). The Dirt Weekend buses were able to transport the bikers to NUVALI to bike around the eco-city development as a group. The environmentally-tinged pursuit culminates with a tree-planting activity and performances by various Dakila artists comprised of Nityalila, Bayang Barrios and Noel Cabangon. 

With the recent catastrophic damages caused by the typhoon in Visayas, NUVALI together with Dirt Weekend 2013 organizers, supporters, and participants donated a percentage of the registration fees to help with the rehabilitation of the homes in coastal areas of Carles and Estancia, Iloilo. Funds for new fishing gear to the affected local fishermen shall also be provided.

Through time, NUVALI has earned a reputation as the perfect choice of venue where sports activities that range from marathons, fun runs, wakeboarding, and this annual cycling event thrive. These sports meets, the NUVALI 2013 Dirt Weekend in particular, as made possible by the eco-community’s accessibility, safety, scenic bike trails and challenging terrain, serve to prove to all and sundry that Filipino athletes, specifically cyclists, are at pat with the best of the world.

To learn more about NUVALI, visit www.nuvali.ph or call 0917-5ASKNUV (275688). You can also follow NUVALI on Facebook and Twitter @Nuvaliofficial 

AZKALS: CELEBRATING CHALLENGES AND INSPIRING VICTORIES!

Filipino football fans celebrate as the country’s national football team now ranks first in South East Asia, according to the FIFA World Ranking released on October 17, 2013.

The country achieved the four-spot increase in ranking following Azkals’ victory against Pakistan in the recently concluded Peace Cup in Bacolod last October 15, 2013. Coming in at 137, this is the highest ranking the country has achieved to date, beating out Thailand whose ranking had gone down four spots to 143.

As the national football team prepares for its next friendly game against the United Arab Emirates and India in November, Filipinos realize that our country’s team has indeed come a long way in their journey to fulfilling what many of us dream of – to compete against and level with the best football teams all over the world.

Several years back, it was a big challenge for Azkals to even gain notice from the Filipinos, who are more hooked on basketball than any other sport. “It took a while until the Filipinos caught on the Azkals’ potentials. But motivation and passion are contagious feelings. The team owes its achievements to having a common goal. Staying focused on a common vision takes a lot of team discipline. Determination to follow through to reach that goal requires hard-work, lots of practice, coaching and guidance,” said Azkals Team Manager, Dan Palami.

Sharing the Azkals vision of championing Philippine Football, Alaska Milk Corporation supports young, aspiring players who are out to become the best players in the country. Throughout the years, even when there was little enthusiasm for football Alaska has carried through in fostering and preparing young athletes for the triumphs of this game.

By providing venues wherein young players may discover and display their inherent flair for the sport, Alaska encourages young athletes as they strive to become the country’s future Azkals. Under the Alaska Sports programs, the Alaska Power Camp hold football trainings every summer, while advocating discipline, team work, hard-work, determination, and sportsmanship. It culminates in May with the Alaska Summer Football Festival, in preparation for the Alaska Cup held annually in November – the biggest football tournament in the country, for the last 17 years.

As the Azkals prepare for another exciting game against UAE, they continue to inspire with their passion for football. Alaska Milk thus cheers on while encouraging young Filipino players to overcome their challenges in becoming Azkals someday. With hard work, determination, team work, sportsmanship and discipline – Alaska Milk believes that young football players can achieve their goal of becoming one of the Team Azkals!

Visit www.alaskapowercamp.com/football for more details and follow @ALASKAsportshub for live Twitter updates.

CHRISTMAS SHARING @ AYALA TRIANGLE GARDEN

Christmas is a time of sharing. And with the recent earthquake that hit the Visayas region, Christmas celebration in Makati, being the leading city for business, lifestyle, entertainment, and culture, will not be complete if we are not able to share our blessings. 

As a response to the severely damaged churches in Bohol, the Ayala group of companies launched the Tugon sa Bohol initiative for the restoration of Bohol Churches and to reach out to our fellow Filipinos who were affected. A series of fund-raising activities have been lined up to enjoin Makati denizens and visitors alike to take part and contribute in this noble cause. 

Just like last November 8, Ayala held a benefit concert entitled “Songs of Hope” featuring the award-winning Loboc Children’s Choir at 6PM at the Tower One & Exchange Plaza Fountain area. The Loboc Children’s Choir who are composed of students from Loboc Central Elementary School has been bringing pride and recognitions to the Philippines. Hailed as the 3-time National Champion Prize awardee at the National Musical Competition for Young Artists (NMCYA), 3rd Place in the Certamen Choral de Tolosa Spain Choral Competitions in 2011, and awarded with the most prestigious Gold Medal at the Europe and its Songs Festival, the Loboc Children’s Choir has truly captivated the world with their angelic voices and heart-warming music. Cash donations were welcomed through donation boxes which strategically positioned around the concert area. Noel Cabangon was also able to participate with the choral group.

Through these efforts, Makati offers a Christmas that is truly meant for sharing, a unique experience that sets an avenue for everyone to help, connect, share, and have a more meaningful Christmas celebration with friends and family.

As with the tradition, Makati has also prepared many festivities that would still make anyone’s dream Christmas celebration come true. Everyone is invited to the premier of the most anticipated and well-lauded Enchanting Lights and Sound show on November 15. Lights come to life every 30 minutes from 6PM to 9PM until December 31. This will be followed by the lighting up of the tallest Christmas tree in the National Capital Region at Circuit Makati on November 21. 

The full-packed Christmas celebration in Makati extends all the way to December with many activities at Ayala Triangle Gardens (ATG). Starting with the 4th Christmas Caroling Competition among Makati High Schools on December 2 to be followed by Christmas Around the World at ATG by TLC on December 6. Lending a more solemn feel to the most anticipated season of the year are Thanksgiving Masses offered by Makati locators from December 15-23. 

The spirit of sharing, giving back, and generosity, as exemplified by Makati, is never more evident and alive than during Christmas time. Let’s all have a more meaningful Christmas celebration with friends and family by helping our kababayans who are in need and show the world the true Filipino spirit.

Come and celebrate the holidays in Makati and find out why a Makati Christmas is meant for sharing. 

Christmas celebration in Makati is brought to you by Make It Makati, Ayala Land, Ayala Land Premier’s Garden Towers, Alveo’s Lerato and Kroma, Avida Towers Asten, Amaia, Ayala Malls Glorietta and Greenbelt, MasterCard, Philippine Daily
Inquirer, Philippine Star, Manila Bulletin, Business Mirror, TLC, Canon Philippines, Pixma, and PowerMac Center.

For more information, like them on Facebook and follow us on Twitter (@MakeItMakati) or visit our website at www.makeitmakati.com to learn about the many other reasons why you should come to the city.