Latest from Filipino Times
Filipino Times
an hour ago
- Sport
- Filipino Times
From delivering ice to becoming a veteran triathlete: August Benedicto bags Bagong Bayani Award
Long before the finish lines, medals, and global competitions, August Benedicto's story began on a bike, not racing, but delivering blocks of ice under the heat of the Tarlac sun. With eight siblings and a family struggling to make ends meet in Paniqui, young August knew that education was a luxury he had to fight for. So he peddled through early mornings, balancing schoolbooks with sacks of ice, chasing dreams that, back then, seemed far from the Ironman banners he'd one day cross. Now 41, Benedicto has become one of the most enduring names in Philippine triathlon. At the recently concluded Century Tuna Ironman 70.3 Subic Bay, held under grueling 40-degree heat, the Ireland-based Filipino veteran dug deep once again, finishing second overall with a time of 4 hours, 40 minutes, and 58 seconds. His performance earned him the Bagong Bayani award, a special recognition given to elite Filipino athletes who continue to raise the flag in international endurance sports. The course, brutal by any standard, featured a 1.9-kilometer swim, a 90-kilometer bike ride, and a punishing 21-kilometer run. Benedicto split 31:19 in the swim, 2:30:06 on the bike, and capped it off with a 1:33:59 run—yet another strong showing in a career that has spanned over two decades. From school to international tracks It's a journey built on quiet sacrifice. His first foray into competitive sports came at 14, when he was discovered for his raw talent in long-distance running. From school-level track meets to eventually earning a slot in the Palarong Pambansa, Benedicto made each opportunity count. He took on his first duathlon in 2003 and finished near the bottom of the pack. But the fire had been lit. By 2005, he was part of the Philippine Sports Commission's training pool and represented the country at the Southeast Asian Games in Pattaya, Thailand, clinching a bronze medal. It was there that he met British triathlete and future Ironman legend Chrissie Wellington, who encouraged him to try his hand at the sport that would later define his athletic life. He joined his first Ironman 70.3 in 2009 in Camarines Sur and finished as the fourth Filipino to complete the course. In 2012, he made history by clinching his first Filipino Elite title at Cobra Ironman 70.3, a feat he repeated in 2014, 2015, and 2016. 'I was so excited for this year's race,' Benedicto said after the event. 'Just imagine, I'm already 41 and I'm still competing with younger athletes, national team members, and elite triathletes. But I focused on my training — 10 to 15 hours a week, every week. One hour swimming, one hour running, and 100 kilometers of biking every weekend.' Sights on World Championships Dedication, it seems, is the fuel that keeps Benedicto going. He credits his wife Anna and longtime friend Cesar Manlikmot as pillars of support through the highs and lows. 'This award is for my family. For Anna. For everyone who stood by me,' he said with pride. As the finish line at Subic fades into memory, a new goal already looms: the Ironman 70.3 World Championships in Mabea, Spain, this November. Benedicto is training for that with the same fire that once drove a teenage boy to deliver ice — not just to help his family, but to carve out a future no one thought possible. Also shining in Subic was Iriga City's John Patrick Ciron, who won the men's elite title with a time of 4:37:28, while Indonesia's Dea Salsabila Putri topped the women's division in 5:26:22. Erika Nicole Burgos, another Filipino standout, placed third in the women's elite category with 5:32:30, earning her a Bagong Bayani award alongside Benedicto. — Alona Cochon
Filipino Times
an hour ago
- General
- Filipino Times
Saudi Arabia to kick off country-level ceremonies of The Filipino Times Watchlist Awards
The Filipino Times is set to commence its 2025 Watchlist Awards this evening in Saudi Arabia, officially launching a series of country-level ceremonies to honor outstanding Filipino engineers, architects, and healthcare professionals across the Middle East. Saudi Arabia will open the awarding tonight, June 20, for engineers and architects from Saudi Arabia and Bahrain, while healthcare professionals will be honored tomorrow evening, June 21. For the first time, the prestigious program will spotlight top Filipino professionals in each country before they move forward to compete at the regional level, bringing well-deserved recognition closer to local communities. Qatar will host the next leg, gathering winners from Qatar and Kuwait on August 8 for engineers and architects, and August 9 for healthcare workers. The UAE and Oman will wrap up the country-level awarding, recognizing outstanding professionals on November 21 for engineers and architects, and November 22 for healthcare professionals. Country winners will then advance to the regional stage, with the Middle East's top engineers and architects to be named on March 29, 2026, followed by the top healthcare professionals on March 30, 2026 — strengthening recognition of Filipino excellence worldwide.
Filipino Times
an hour ago
- Politics
- Filipino Times
Marcos open to discussing ICC return, UN expert's human rights recommendations under study
President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. is open to discussing the recommendations of a United Nations expert on improving the country's human rights situation, including the possible return of the Philippines to the International Criminal Court (ICC). Communications Undersecretary Claire Castro said in a press briefing that while there are no formal discussions yet, the president has previously indicated openness to rejoining the ICC. 'Open po siya. No'ng huli po kaming nag-usap… sinabi niya open naman po siya,' Castro said, emphasizing that this was based on past conversations with the president. [Translation: He's open. During our last talk—since this has come up before—he told me he's open to it.] Marcos earlier said the matter of rejoining the ICC remains under study. The Philippines withdrew from the Rome Statute, the treaty that established the ICC, in 2018 during the Duterte administration. The withdrawal took effect in 2019. Former President Rodrigo Duterte is currently detained by the ICC over alleged crimes against humanity tied to his administration's war on drugs. The potential return to the ICC is one of several recommendations made by UN Special Rapporteur Irene Khan, who visited the Philippines in 2024 to assess the state of freedom of opinion and expression. Khan's full report, released this week, acknowledged reforms taken under the Marcos administration but said these are not enough to fully move on from past abuses. 'The government must embark on more significant legal, policy, and institutional changes to demonstrate its commitment to freedom of expression,' Khan said. She also urged the Philippines to ratify key human rights treaties, including the International Convention for the Protection of All Persons from Enforced Disappearance. Among her more controversial proposals was the abolition of the National Task Force to End Local Communist Armed Conflict (NTF-ELCAC), citing its role in red-tagging and other alleged violations. Khan recommended that the government adopt an executive order to formally denounce red-tagging and implement accountability measures for those who engage in the practice. Castro said the administration welcomes the international recognition of its current human rights efforts, and affirmed that the president would carefully study Khan's recommendations. 'Ang suggestion ng UN rapporteur, ito ay magandang suggestion… Pag-aaralan po ito ng mabuti ng pangulo,' she said. [Translation: The UN rapporteur's suggestions are good… The president will study these carefully.]
Filipino Times
an hour ago
- Business
- Filipino Times
Dubai Summer Surprises to return with 9 weeks of sales and entertainment
There are just a few days left before Dubai kicks off its most-awaited summer shopping event — Dubai Summer Surprises (DSS) 2025 — promising huge sales and special discounts across the city. The 28th edition will run from June 27 to August 31, turning Dubai into a bargain hunter's paradise for 66 days straight. With the DSS Sales Season, shoppers can expect deals from over 800 brands spread across more than 3,000 stores in different malls and shopping destinations. Huge price cuts, citywide promotions, raffle draws, food offers, indoor family fun, and concerts are all lined up to make this summer extra special for shoppers. Ahmed Al Khaja, CEO of Dubai Festivals and Retail Establishment (DFRE), said this will be the 'most dynamic and value-packed edition to date' with 'thousands of unbeatable offers, compelling retail promotions, and endless experiences.' He added that DSS 2025 is designed to match all preferences and budgets, showing Dubai's commitment to delivering world-class experiences.
Filipino Times
3 hours ago
- Entertainment
- Filipino Times
Cultural celebration honors overseas Filipino workers in Saudi Arabia
Overseas Filipino workers in Saudi Arabia were honored through a cultural gathering that celebrated their hard work and dedication while showcasing traditional dances, attire, and Filipino cuisine. The Filipino Liaison Association in Riyadh (FLAIR) organized the event in line with the 123rd Labor Day, bringing together workers and their families at the Sheraton Hotel. His Excellency Raymond R. Balatbat, Philippine Ambassador to the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia, and Migrant Workers Office-Riyadh Officer-in-Charge Hon. Lucille T. Gayaman attended as guest speakers, sharing messages on workers' rights, cultural heritage, and community support. Participants wore colorful Tribal and Philippine National dresses while enjoying performances by FLAIR members featuring traditional dances and music. A spread of authentic Filipino dishes was also served, giving everyone a taste of home and bringing people closer together. The celebration strengthened the sense of unity among Filipino workers in the Kingdom and paid tribute to their contributions while keeping Filipino culture alive abroad.
