A taste of ‘Dinagyang’ as Milo Olympics opens today in Iloilo

ILOILO CITY, Philippines – Coming out of its comfort zone may be tough, but it's a very welcome development for both the athletes and the organizers as Nestle Philippines gave the hosting chores of the 20th Milo Little Olympics to Iloilo.

Yes this is the first time for the Ilonggos to host the multi-sport event that will formally kick off today.

"The clamor for Milo to be close to different regions has pushed us to give this chance for Iloilo to host," said Milo Sports Executive Robbie De Vera in a press conference yesterday at Sarabia Manor.

MLO started 28 years ago in Manila and then came to organize its first regional battle in Cebu in 1995. Since then, MLO had always been done in Cebu.

Cebu's impressive track record in staging the event has eventually led to its hosting of the first national championships in 2009.

Team Visayas then won a grandslam in the national finals, but the National Capital Region bounced back by coming up with its own perpetual trophy last year.

With Iloilo given the hosting chores, Ballesteros is gaining back confidence that they would be able to send a much stronger team for next month's national finals in Laguna as more athletes from Iloilo, Bacolod, Aklan, Antique, Capiz are joining in the country's privately-sponsored developmental sports tournament.

"This is a good collaboration between the Cebuanos and the Ilonggos as far as hosting. I am also confident that with this change, we can also come up with a much stronger team for the National Finals of the Milo Little Olympics," said Ricky Ballesteros, who is still the Visayas organizer of the MLO.

The three-day joust features 15 sporting disciplines ith the addition of arnis, the country's national sport, and karatedo as demonstration sports.

The regular events include athletics, badminton, basketball, football, gymnastics, tennis, swimming, table tennis plus non-Olympic events like sepak takraw, chess, and scrabble.

Iloilo City Mayor Jed Patrick Mabilog welcomes the event with open arms, not only because of its economic gains but also because it will boost their bid to be "fitness capital of the Philippines."

"This is an opportunity for us to showcase what Iloilo has to offer.This is a breakthrough for our sports tourism as we bid to be the fitness capital of the Philippines," said Mabilog.

Close to 5,000 athletes, coaches and officials will get a taste of Dinagyang Festival in this afternoon's opening ceremonies at the Iloilo Sports Complex.  Action proper will begin on September 11 yet. (FREEMAN)