SPORTS BANTER

PTVPhilippines

SPORTS BANTER | Ms. Tin Ferrera, Vice President and Secretary General ng Philippine Trail Running Association.  For more news, visit:  ►https://www.ptvnews.ph/  Subscribe to our DailyMotion Channel: ►http://www.dailymotion.com/peoples-television-incorporated  Subscribe to our YouTube channel: ►http://www.youtube.com/ptvphilippines  Like our Facebook pages: ►PTV: http://facebook.com/PTVph  ►Rise and Shine Pilipinas: https://www.facebook.com/riseandshinepilipinas  Follow us on Twitter:  ►http://twitter.com/PTVph  Follow us on Instagram: ►https://www.instagram.com/ptvph  Watch our livestream on:  ►http://ptvnews.ph/livestream/ ►https://www.dailymotion.com/PTVPhilippines  Watch our News Programs, every Mondays to Fridays  Rise and Shine Pilipinas - 6:00 - 7:00 am | 7:30 - 8:00 am Balitang Pambansa - 7:00 - 7:30 am | 12:00 - 12:30 pm | 6:00 - 6:30pm | 9:30 - 10:00 pm PTV Sports - 8:00 - 9:00 am Bagong Pilipinas Ngayon - 12:30 - 1:00 pm Sentro Balita - 1:00 pm - 2:00 pm Ulat Bayan - 6:30 pm - 7:00 pm PTV News Tonight -  10:00 pm - 10:30 pm  Saturday & Sunday: ►Sentro Balita Weekend - 1:30 - 2:00 pm ►Ulat Bayan Weekend - 6:15 pm - 7:00 pm

Transcript

00:00PTV Sports is back! We will talk to Miss Pim Ferreira, the Vice President and Secretary General of the Philippine Trail Running Association, or FILTRA.

00:13Good afternoon. Welcome to PTV Sports.

00:16Thanks for having me here as FILTRA.

00:20FILTRA, yes.

00:21Ma'am, can you give us a brief history of FILTRA? How was it established here in the Philippines?

00:28So FILTRA, or Philippine Trail Running Association, we're the sports association governing the sports of trail running.

00:36We started the legal structure in 2021.

00:43And then actively, we know at that time there was a pandemic, there were a lot of restrictions.

00:49And one of our first projects was to allow people to go outdoors, allow people to enjoy nature.

00:58Because the sports and going outdoors is the one that really would help people in their health.

01:07So that was the first thing we started.

01:09And then since then, from 2021 to 2022, we were selected for the first time in the World Mountain Trail Running Championship that was in Thailand.

01:20Although at that time, we are not affiliated yet with PATAFA, Philippine Athletics Track and Field Association.

01:28And then in 2023, the partnership with PATAFA and of course, it follows the Philippine Sports Commission started.

01:38And then we hold the first national championships in that year.

01:44So qualifier championships.

01:46So we've had three championships.

01:49We've been to two World Mountain Trail Running Championships last 2023, June 2023 in Austria.

01:56We had a 12-man delegation and we were number 12 and number 19 in the men's trail running team overall, globally.

02:08So two World Championships.

02:10And then last year, for the first time, we had the South East Asian Trail Running Cup.

02:17And we were the overall champion.

02:19So we sweep all the overall team categories as the top team in long trail, short trail, both men and women,

02:27and then the mountain classics in U23.

02:29And 17 medals, 5 of which were gold.

02:33That was June.

02:35And when October came, Asia-Pacific Trail Running Championships.

02:40So it was a big challenge because there were very seasoned countries, their seasoned athletes.

02:48Aside from South East Asia, Nepal is there.

02:51We know that they are from Everest.

02:53It's high.

02:54Yes, their altitude is high.

02:57And then we have Australia, Japan, Hong Kong, who have been dominating not just the Asia-Pacific scene,

03:04even in European and U.S. competition.

03:08And we were in that competition, we were silver in overall.

03:13So we're number two in the Asia-Pacific and overall in the long trail and short trail category.

03:20And we got one gold.

03:22And we took care of Jandre Onifa in that competition.

03:25She said, it's over.

03:27It's over.

03:28It's really half an award.

03:30Filipinos are really good at trail running.

03:34But this is just a mis-team based on the knowledge of our teammates.

03:37What is trail running?

03:39And when did it start to become popular here in the Philippines?

03:43Okay.

03:44So trail running, this has been done for years, like decades.

03:51So it's really natural for us to run in the mountains, to climb the mountains.

03:57And then the sports in itself, here in the Philippines, there were regular events way back in 2008-2009.

04:08And then it boomed in 2012-2014.

04:12So the same, globally, the growth is the same.

04:17Around that year, the International Trail Running Association was established.

04:23But during that time, it is a very niche sport.

04:28And some people would call it hardcore.

04:32Some people would get intimidated because you basically go out there in the mountains.

04:42Sometimes, you can't see anything while you're running.

04:47You're just talking to yourself.

04:50So really, time with nature.

04:52That's the nature of sports, trail running, at the time when it started.

04:58And then the natural growth of the sports, it became competitiveness.

05:06And then there were global competitions.

05:09There were championships through the years.

05:13Yes, ma'am, you mentioned it.

05:15Because trail running is intimidating.

05:20Especially if it's a long trail event, it's really far.

05:24For example, in a marathon, it's 42 kilometers.

05:28But if it's trail running, it's really up to 100, right ma'am?

05:32Yes, 100 kilometers.

05:33And 42 kilometers in trail running, that's actually what we call short trail.

05:37Short trail.

05:39Long trail is 80.

05:41And then we have ultra distance, 100K.

05:44But trail running is not really just about long distance.

05:50So it's really about any form of activity or running through surface that's not paved.

05:59So the terrain is different.

06:02So we also have competitions that are categorized as trail running that happens in parks.

06:07Like eco parks.

06:10Now, there are a lot of nature parks in the Philippines, which is good.

06:15That's part of the growth of sports.

06:20I'm just curious.

06:21Since you mentioned it, ma'am, 100 kilometers.

06:24How many days does it take, ma'am?

06:28Or it can be 30 hours, 4 hours, or 5 hours.

06:31Or it depends on the situation, how hard it is for them to climb the base.

06:36Usually, the cutoff is set depending on the elevation, depending on the terrain.

06:41For example, the one that has held recently, where our athletes fought,

06:48100 kilometers in Hong Kong, the cutoff is 30 hours for everyone to finish.

06:56There were about 4,000 participants.

06:58But the elite, like our athletes, John Ray Oliva finished it in 10 hours.

07:03And if I'm not mistaken, 30 minutes.

07:05And he finished 6th place in that competition.

07:09So it's a sport for everyone.

07:12So it's not just for those who are competitive.

07:16I can't imagine.

07:17Stingray is really good.

07:19Stingray, shout out.

07:21He's really good.

07:23Imagine, I feel like I won't be able to go down after that.

07:26Yes, ma'am.

07:28I interviewed Angelica Balo last month.

07:35She differentiated the marathon from the trail.

07:39Because in the marathon, it's more painful because it's straight.

07:42But in the trail, there's up and down.

07:46What's the difference?

07:49Maybe in the trail, it involves all your muscle groups.

07:55Maybe you're just bald.

07:57It doesn't bother you.

07:59So it involves all your muscle groups.

08:01So you really need your physical fitness.

08:05You're well prepared for that.

08:09But the good thing is that in the downhill,

08:13you use different muscle groups.

08:18When it comes to the uphill, it's different.

08:20So your body doesn't shake that much.

08:23I think that's what Angelica is referring to.

08:26And then, your strategy changes.

08:32So you need to have a presence of mind.

08:37For example, in a road marathon,

08:39if I'm running a road marathon,

08:41I can predict everything.

08:43This is my pace in the first five kilometers.

08:47And then this, this, that.

08:49This is my nutrition.

08:50In trail running, there are many factors.

08:53The weather is a factor.

08:55If it suddenly rains or gets hot,

08:58the terrain will be slippery.

09:00It's still the same.

09:01It's different.

09:02If it rains, it's still the same.

09:03It's still the same.

09:05I feel like I'm going to get sick.

09:06I feel like I'm going to get sick.

09:07I feel like I'm going to get sick.

09:09If it really rains, I don't want to do it.

09:11I'll just get wet.

09:12Do you have any upcoming events this coming February?

09:16We have the Aningalan and Luntian Trail Marathon.

09:20That's happening tomorrow.

09:22Yes, it's tomorrow.

09:23Please tell us more about this event.

09:24So, Aningalan and Luntian Trail Marathon.

09:27So, Luntian is in Quedapawan in Mindanao.

09:29And then, Aningalan is in Antique.

09:33We're in January.

09:34And two of our national team members are from.

09:37So, these events are organized by different passionate race organizers.

09:44Most of them are trail runners with the support of the local government.

09:48So, the good thing about this is that the sports are recognized.

09:53And many LGUs support events like this.

09:57So, these are the events that are partnered with FILTRA.

10:02Our objective here, aside from promoting sports and encouraging many people to trail run,

10:10is to discover from the grassroots, from where they are.

10:15So, we're trying to make the sports accessible for potential athletes.

10:20So, this is under 23 qualifier.

10:24These are short distance events.

10:26Meaning, if you join and you're under 23,

10:31your points, your FILTRA points that you'll get from this sport can be your entry point

10:38to join the next championships.

10:42So, these are qualifying races for the national championships.

10:46When will this be held?

10:48In the next month.

10:50For this year, the national championship is coming in March.

10:58That's for those who qualified in the 2024 qualifier.

11:03So, year-long, different events are held throughout the year.

11:09So, this has been done now.

11:11And then, depending on their performance points in the ranking, they will qualify.

11:16So, this year, 40 athletes qualified.

11:19And they'll be competing in Danau during the Danau City International ULTRA.

11:25I'm just curious.

11:27In our age group, who is the youngest to trail run?

11:31And then, who is the oldest to compete in the qualification for the national championship?

11:38Ah, okay.

11:39For national championships, I think the youngest this year is 16.

11:44And then, one of our running coaches, Coach Cristabel, is from Baguio.

11:58So, she's a road marathoner.

12:02She's one of the legends in road marathons.

12:07So, she's part of the national team.

12:11And for this championship, I think it's the same.

12:15So, it's a bit wide-ranging.

12:17But on the average, the age of our short-trail athletes is 23 to 25.

12:26And then, our long-trail athletes would be from 27 to 34, 35.

12:34For the young ones.

12:37Ma'am, let's go back to the establishment of the ULTRA.

12:40Because it's a good progress.

12:42Even though it was established in 2021, we've already won a lot of awards.

12:47And how did we recruit our national team members?

12:51I think, one, we made the qualifiers really accessible for everyone.

12:57So, we partnered with different organizers across the country to really allow those from the provinces,

13:05those from…

13:06We have one athlete, she's really from a mountainous area.

13:10So, she just saw that there's an event going on.

13:13And then, she joined the national team.

13:16So, that's how we did it.

13:18And then, all of them, once they qualify, they go into a training camp.

13:25So, that's two times a year.

13:28Two blocks in a year.

13:30So, they train together.

13:33We try to provide as much support as we can in terms of nutrition, of course, their daily needs,

13:43and exposing them to competitions also.

13:47Other than the sanctions like CITRA and APTRC and World Championship.

13:54We try to give them exposure so that they can compete in different competitions outside the country or within the country

14:03where they will be challenged.

14:05Because it's important for an athlete.

14:09To Miss T, I just want to ask, since there are a lot of upcoming events for this year,

14:13how do you prepare the field track to ensure that our runners are safe?

14:18And then, they will go through different standards like first aid.

14:22So, how do you prepare the field track?

14:25Okay.

14:26Of course, most of the events are really organized by private organizations and individuals.

14:34So, our role as field track is to ensure that standards are being followed.

14:40So, the important thing is the safety plan and coordination.

14:48So, the coordination would happen in the barangay and local communities.

14:56And since this is mostly in the mountains, it needs to be well-coordinated.

15:02And then, the second important point other than the safety plan is the collaboration with the local government.

15:12So, barangay level to the municipality and provincial.

15:19And it's good to be supportive, especially in Danau.

15:24Local government is very supportive.

15:27Like in the South East Asian Trail Running Cup, there are more race crews.

15:34They are all excited.

15:37From the Philippine National Police, from the AFV.

15:42So, they are very supportive.

15:44And I think they enjoy it.

15:46Sometimes, most of them, when the next event comes, they join in.

15:51They are happy.

15:54Ma'am, here in trail running, the Filipinos are known for trail running.

16:02What are the advantages that we can see from the Filipinos?

16:05Because it's good that you mentioned that there are events in the mountains.

16:10So, we can see the advantages of trail running.

16:15I think number one, of course, the physical ability is there.

16:21But the good thing about our athletes is that most of them grew up in that environment.

16:28So, they are used to the mountains.

16:30Like Jan, when you ask her, what game did you play when you were a kid?

16:33She was chasing a bayawak.

16:34So, if you catch a bayawak, that's your speed.

16:38You might think it's a joke, but it's true.

16:43So, that's their story.

16:45And some of them had to walk from the mountains, 5 kilometers, 10 kilometers, growing up, just to be able to go to school.

16:53So, there's a background like that.

16:58So, maybe what we need is to improve them professionally from that background.

17:04Of course, it can't be just natural strength.

17:09Especially now, the competitors, the athletes have scientific approaches to training, nutrition, and of course, strength and conditioning.

17:22So, this is important.

17:23And their races need to be periodized.

17:27So, that's it.

17:28And then, maybe in terms of competition, trail running takes a lot of presence of mind and perseverance.

17:39The challenges and obstacles here are natural, right?

17:44Sometimes, you think you're projecting this terrain to be runnable.

17:49When it comes to that, suddenly there's a different terrain, right?

17:54Sometimes, there are natural occurrences that change the terrain.

17:59But I think Filipinos are naturally persevering.

18:04So, maybe that's the main trait of Filipinos.

18:09Even if it's painful.

18:11Like, Randolph was saying, he placed 6th place in the Asia-Pacific Trail Running Championship.

18:22At the start, they were in the 9th or 10th place.

18:25Then, he said, I recognized this terrain.

18:30So, he actually fell down.

18:32He said, he was already tumbling and all.

18:34But it was just like a blink of an eye.

18:38Because they were really…

18:40He was just thinking, okay, every second counts.

18:44Because we need to get that championship.

18:49And that's how we ended silver.

18:53Miss Team for the National Championship, you mentioned some names earlier.

18:57Who are the national team runners that we're expecting for the National Championship this year?

19:04Who are we expecting?

19:06Oh, okay.

19:07I might forget someone.

19:09There are 40 athletes.

19:10So, all of our national team will be joining.

19:14Janrey will not be joining the championship, but he will join the open category.

19:20Okay.

19:21Because he's already qualified.

19:25So, in our long trail, Arnie Macaneras, Larry Apon Linario, Robert D. Cain.

19:33And then, for the women, of course, Ellie Dagangdang and Angelica Balos.

19:38Short trail, the Asia-Pacific…

19:41And Citra, our gold medalist, Tricia Reyes.

19:44And then, Pao and Angelica.

19:48I already said that.

19:49From the mountains.

19:51Angelica is from Antique.

19:53And Gadwin Mirar, Randolph Gonzalez, and Nico Tongkaling.

20:04So, fresh from his Puchong K-League Hong Kong 100.

20:08So, he'll be joining.

20:10But, and of course, the U23s are also there.

20:14Rayben, Etta, Charlotte Muico, our young athletes.

20:21Aside from that, there are a lot of new talents.

20:24I think that's what makes it exciting.

20:27There are a lot of emerging talents that qualified.

20:31So, based on their performance, it will make the championship really exciting.

20:38And of course, our existing pool of the national team is also a challenge.

20:42Good luck to our national team.

20:44Now, ma'am, let's talk about the 2032 Brisbane Olympics.

20:49Can you elaborate on that?

20:54So, 2032 Brisbane Olympics, we're pushing for the inclusion of trail running.

21:01The Trail Running Association in Australia initiated it.

21:08And we're hoping, so we're fully supporting the move of ITRA,

21:12the International Trail Running Association, to do that.

21:16And at our end, we're starting the preparations through our grassroots program, our initiatives.

21:24That's eight years from now.

21:27So, maybe our future Olympians can be those in the team or can be not trail running.

21:38So, the preparation will continue.

21:42Now, ma'am, let's talk about the Danau City International Ultra Trail.

21:45When you go to Danau, Cebu, what do you expect?

21:49When I go there, can I see the scenery while they're running in the trail run?

21:53Okay, so Danau City.

21:55In Cebu, it's not a big mountain compared to Cordillera Cano.

22:03But what's good about Danau is that there are a lot of peaks, six peaks.

22:08So, when you traverse the trails here in Magma, in Likos, their famous Likos Peak,

22:18it's challenging enough.

22:21That's why we chose this course and hosting Danau.

22:26And then, there's a river crossing.

22:28So, it's really scenic.

22:30Most of these peaks are actually tourist hiking trails.

22:34So, they're opening it up for the sport.

22:36So, they said that people are hiking already.

22:38So, they should also do a trail run.

22:42In Danasan, Eco Park, these are the most popular.

22:46And Danau, we know that most of our strong mountain bikers,

22:51Shane Yao is from Danau, right?

22:53Yes.

22:54So, who knows, since they're the hosts,

22:57maybe there's a Shane Yao version for trail running.

23:01Maybe Shane Yao will do a trail run like us.

23:03That's possible.

23:04Yes.

23:06So, this is your event in Danau, Gagana, Penang.

23:10And then, after that, this March, you have an event to celebrate National Women's Month.

23:15Tell us about this event.

23:16Okay.

23:17So, of course, there are a lot of events.

23:20There are a lot of people.

23:21That's why our social media team is very busy.

23:24Our dream team of creatives.

23:27So, girls running in trails.

23:31So, this is women empowerment.

23:33So, our goal here is to increase women participation.

23:37Encourage women participation.

23:39You said earlier that trail running may sound intimidating.

23:42And that's where I started.

23:45Let's not say the year.

23:48Sometimes, we're just 5, 3, 10.

23:51That's a lot in the starting line.

23:55But now, when Filtre started, maybe it was in 2013.

23:59Then, in 2023.

24:01Last year, we ended up 36% of the total participation in the trail run.

24:07Our female trail running.

24:09So, we'd like to encourage more women to try the sports.

24:13Because of the benefits it has.

24:17And, of course, the grassroots aspect is also included.

24:21What's good about the girls running in trails for this year,

24:26we're ensuring that it's going to be not just an event.

24:30It's going to be a sustainable project.

24:33And a year-long activity.

24:35So, the event actually raises funds.

24:38The great fund.

24:40So, this great fund,

24:42we'll save it for us to be able to support women

24:46who cannot afford to go to the starting line of trail races.

24:52So, we'll have projects in...

24:56I can't reveal where yet.

24:59So, for example, where Angelica is in Antique,

25:04we will have projects there to ensure that they'll have exposure,

25:08proper training, coaching, mentoring.

25:11And then, some deserving women may be sponsored

25:14to participate in different events.

25:18Yes, ma'am.

25:19We're looking forward to that.

25:20She's already participating.

25:23We're looking forward to that.

25:24If Bernadette doesn't come back,

25:26we know that she's still running.

25:29Again, thank you so much for this interview with PTV Sports.

25:33And thank you so much.

25:34And good luck to the entire FILTRA.

25:36Your year is so long.

25:38You have so many events.

25:39We'll look forward to that.

25:41Bernadette is here.

25:42She'll cover your events.

25:43So, look forward to that.

25:44So, last but not least,

25:46Ms. Tine, please give a message to our participants.

25:48Invite them.

25:49Maybe they want to join our trail events this year.

25:52Okay.

25:53So, to those watching,

25:55we hope to see you trail running.

25:58And because it's really enjoyable.

26:03It's something that will challenge you

26:06while at the same time,

26:09allow you to feast in the beauty

26:12that the Philippines has to offer.

26:14We have so much to offer from mountain ranges,

26:17river, falls,

26:19everything you'll experience when you trail run.

26:22And at the same time,

26:23you'll be able to support our athletes

26:26because your participation in the sports

26:28also supports FILTRA

26:31for us to continue supporting our athletes

26:34who represent our country.

26:35So, hope to see you at the starting line

26:38and in the mountains.

26:40Wow.

26:41Thank you so much.

26:42Again, we have with us Ms. Tine Ferrer,

26:44the Vice President and Secretary General

26:46of the Philippine Trail Running Association.

26:49Thank you, Ma'am.

Category

Transcript

Recommended