Pacquiao, Erap grace Palaro rites

MANILA, Philippines - A star-studded roster headed by boxing champion Manny Pacquiao, Manila Mayor Joseph Estrada, Sochi Winter Olympics veteran Michael Martinez and basketball superstar James Yap will grace the opening rites of the Palarong Pambansa Monday in Sta. Cruz, Laguna.

Host Laguna Gov. ER Ejercito-Estregan said competition will go full blast on Sunday with gold medals at stake in the centerpiece track and field at the Laguna Sports Complex .

Also expected to join the inaugurals are former national swimmer and now television personality Enchong Dee, tv hosts Dyan Castillejo and Ginger Conejero and basketball stars Jeron and Jeric Teng.

“It’s going to be an opening ceremony to remember because we’re bringing in the stars and celebrities,” said Ejercito-Estregan .

All of the 11,200 athletes and coaches from all 17 participating regions including powerhouse National Capital Region and 1,200 technical officials have been accounted for the Palaro to be hosted by the third province which has enjoyed heavy tourists turnout.

The athletes, billeted in 37 schools, are competing in 27 sports including Olympic events like swimming, football, archery, gymnastics and boxing.

Laguna has also spent millions of funds to renovate its 19-hectare main hub that included a fully air-conditioned basketball gym with a 2,500 seating capacity, an Olympic-size pool, a tartan track oval with enough lightings to host night events, a football field, a couple of softball diamonds, the same number of baseball fields, four tennis courts, an archery and firing range and a muli-purpose gym.

Meanwhile, PLDT Home DSL through its head Gary Dujali has partnered with the Palaro to provide broadband connections and live streaming facilities for the event.

“As it is, Laguna is already a tourist destination. But by hosting the Palarong Pambansa, the country’s version of the Olympics, we are hoping to also put our great province into the sports tourism map,” said Ejercito-Estregan.