RIO DE JANEIRO, Aug. 21 — The Philippine campaign in the 2016 Rio Olympics came to a close Saturday evening with taekwondo’s Kirstie Elaine Alora breaking down in tears after absorbing two bitter defeats at the Carioca 3 of the Olympic Park here.
Alora, the last Filipino athlete to vie for a medal here, bowed to Olympic champion Maria Espinoza of Mexico, 4-1, in her opening match. Then she blew her chance to salvage at least a bronze when she lost to Wiam Dislam of Morocco, 7-5.
The loss to Espinoza, gold medal winner in the 2008 Beijing Olympics and bronze medalist in London four years ago, left Alora figuring in the repechage (losers round). She needed two wins to get the bronze but could not get past the first challenge.
Dislam stood 5-foot-11 and was easily three inches taller than Alora. But it didn’t turn out to be a breeze for the flag-bearer of the Moroccan delegation to the 2012 London Olympics. She trailed Alora in the third round, and was down, 5-4, with only 20 seconds left.
Alora lowered her guard and got caught with the equalizer, and then with two more quick points to the body. By the time the final buzzer sounded, the 26-year-old Alora had lost a won match, and kissed her Olympic medal hopes in the +67 kg class goodbye.
Alora was in tears as she spoke to reporters.
“Another sad moment because it was my second chance. But I was denied. I think I should continue fighting in this sport because if I won a medal here I might end up saying, ‘This is my last,’” said the heavy 26-year-old after losing to Dislam.
“The Lord has plans for me to continue fighting. I’m happy with the results here but I was not fortunate enough. It’s God’s will. Maybe he wants me to win in the Asian Championships or the World Championships before I become an Olympic champion,” said Alora.
With her loss, the Philippines will close the book on this campaign with a silver medal courtesy of weightlifter Hidilyn Diaz in the women’s 53 kg division. It’s a historic win for Diaz because she became the country’s first female athlete to win a medal in the Olympics.
It was also the country’s first medal in 20 years.
“It was a good historic run. Our gallant thirteen athletes have made our country proud. All went fighting and doing everything they can and they are the best we have,” said chef-de-mission Jose Romasanta.
Up 5-4 lead, she suddenly trailed 7-5 in the closing seconds. She launched a last-ditch effort and could have turned things around. However, a head kick that could have netted her three points did not register on the sensor, allowing Dislam to go on with the win.
Alora’s coach, Roberto “Kitoy” Cruz, raised a challenge. Still, there was nothing to reverse the outcome as Alora’s kick touched Dislam’s head gear instead of the face.
“I really thought Elaine hit the face and not the head gear. That was worth three points. From 5-7 we could have won the fight 8-7. At least, she fought better in the repechage than in her first fight,” said Cruz as he waited for Alora to face reporters.
Cruz said Alora looked better facing a taller opponent like Dislam than Espinoza.
“Kung saan pa mas-matangkad ang kalaban,” said the six-time finweight champion in the SEA Games of Alora, who tried hard against Espinoza but trailed majority of the fight.
The 26-year-old Alora failed to establish her distance against the gold medalist in the 2008 Beijing Olympics and bronze medalist in the 2012 London Olympics.
The Filipina trailed after the first round, 1-0, equalized early in the second but faced a 3-1 deficit entering the third and final round. The Mexican took a 4-1 lead with under a minute left. Alora launched desperate moves in the closing seconds but could not land any solid shot.
Espinoza scored mostly on kicks to the body. Alora said she was wary of the Mexican’s head kicks.
“I could not anticipate what she was going to do to me. Each time she engages, she breaks out quickly. That made it very difficult for me,” said Alora, who still has a chance at the repechage and a crack at the bronze medal if Espinoza goes straight to the finals.
“Nahirapan ako sa stepping niya (I had difficulty with her stepping),” she said.
Espinoza, the top rank, went on to face China’s Shuyin Zheng in the gold medal match. This time, it was the Mexican who did not have the answer to Zheng’s tremendous height advantage, and she lost, 5-1.
Zheng, who stands 6’2”, won her first Olympic gold.
“I am taller so I tried to keep my distance. If she is close to me she is faster than me, so I kept her away. I feel very happy and excited with the win,” said the Chinese fighter.
Bianca Waalkden of Great Britain and Jackie Galloway of the United States, the losing semifinalists, eventually bagged the two bronze medals stakes in the +67 kg division won by a Serbian in 2012. (PNA)
Rio 2016 Olympics weightlifting silver medalist Hidilyn Diaz came back to the country on August 11th. Photo grab during the presentation of the athlete to the media in Davao City. Aside from the medal, Diaz received a total prize money of P7-million.
Tell us your thoughts on this article. If logged in with any of your Wordpress.com, Twitter, Facebook, Google+, or registered on this site before, then you can simply write your comment below. Thanks and appreciate your feedback. Cancel reply
>>>>> More Human Events & Stories On
Entertainment
The same before and even now. This is how sand is being sifted or sieved for small construction works in our place. My brothers Bobby and Benny show us ‘How to sift or sieve sand #short”. Walang pagbabago mula noon hanggang ngayon. Ganito magsala o magsigsig ng buhangin para sa […]
Watch this Road Tour Inspection of thoroughfares less travelled in Albay province. We take note of road traffic and road condition, too. This portion covers the coastal road Bicol 638 serving the towns of Oas, Libon and Polangui. The ride starts from the exit of access road of Victoria Bay […]
This is a short video of kids, probably siblings or related, having total fun in their own simple way in the shoreline of Victoria Bay Resort in Oas, Albay province. Masayang ibinabahagi ang maikling bidyu na ito, ng mga batang naglilikot at naghaharutan sa baybayin ng Victoria Bay Resort. [ […]
This is like redundancy posting. It is because the first #short video intended to be really short was wrongly edited but posted on the YT channel. The corrected version is shared below: The first video posted intended to be #short was not working due to some error in video editing, […]
Presenting here, an age old tradition in the region of Bicol (Philippines). In a Bicolano wedding event, the principal sponsors and the couple’s parents join hands and help out newly weds navigate a new beginning. A little help can go a long, long way. After the entourage and guests had […]
Showcasing here an age old tradition in the region of Bicol (Philippines). After the church wedding, then after the reception, the next program in the wedding event is the ‘Pantomina.’ Pantomina is a kind of folk dancing which mimics the love dance of doves. In the local interpretation this time, […]
Mabilis na pag gunita etong kanta bersyon ng mga doktor na kasama sa grupong Robredocs na ‘Di Mo Ba Naririnig?’ Atin pong nina namnam ang katatapos na masaya at puno ng pag-asang kampanya ng Tropa. Kung sa kahulihulihang sandali, ay hindi natupad ang nais nating panalo, ipagpatuloy natin an adhikain […]
What is pink noise used for? “Pink noise is a constant sound in the background. It filters out things that distract you, like people talking or cars going by, so they don’t interrupt your sleep. You may hear it called ambient noise. It’s a steady background hum that may give […]
Red Monkey Talks presents the first immersion on movie trailer review reaction of “The Lady of Heaven.” A late, late posting culled from Red Monkey Talks Youtube channel. In the most recent post in our in-motion channel, Man of Good Will dropped a comment and made a suggestion that we […]
“The Pepsi half time show during the 2020 Super Bowl XIV” showed young girls sexual exploitation of women is Okay.” And many more pros and cons opinion one can come up after done re-watching. You have got to watch this performance in full if haven’t so. This is how you […]
Listen (and watch) to both music below and get entertained. One is an original and the other was “alleged” to have infringed copyright of the first. It must be, according to a federal jury in Los Angeles. The court found that the 2013 hit “Dark Horse” by popular singer Katy […]
What is an entertainment news article when a Philppine peso (₱) sign is interchanged with the US dollar ($) sign? It is laden with FAKE NEWS. Take for instance the update on earnings by local movie “Alone/Together” published by Manila broadsheet Philippine Star. The article “What’s next for Liza Soberano?” […]
This is a throwback post on the feature documentary about the Philippine Eagle. The much awarded and acclaimed film work about the rare and critically endangered Philippine Eagle was officially released less than a year ago. The feature documentary already shown outside the Philippines and gathered rave reviews and praises […]
Miss Philippines Catriona Gray is crowned this year’s Miss Universe. This is the fourth crown won by a candidate from the Philippines in the history of the popular international beauty pageant. Watch the seemingly long moment while the hopefuls wait for the announcement of the winning Miss Universe 2018. And […]
Wondered how Gins are made. Here’s the quick answer with a video straight from the guy who’s making one. We are referring to Ryan Reynolds who has got time for one despite being a busy actor. Reynolds even spilled the secret that after this video’s release in the internet, it […]
This is the moment when man meets robot. What happens next are amazing sequences. Here TV host Jimmy Fallon of the Tonight Show feature demos of amazing new robots from all over the world. It include Massachusset’s Institute of Technology (MIT’s) Mini Cheetah, a wearable tomato-feeding robot and Sophia, […]
Yes, definitely, it’s raining stars in Hollywood. Always. Popular stars, fallen stars, faded stars, fading stars, stars that you knew, stars you don’t know. Watch this video, our walking tour of the Hollywood Walk of Fame in Los Angeles. While it is not definitive coverage of the tourist attraction, we […]
Already, the two hour tedious speech of President Rodrigo Duterte during his second State of the Nation Address, was history. For one, his address was more of impromptu and unscripted, having deviated from the one running on the teleprompter. The chief executive dismissed the prepared speech as “walang kwenta” or […]
Beauty and the Best, the theme song of the Disney movie with the same title has been covered by many talents already. Now here comes a new rendition, well, vintage jazz interpretation featuring Aubrey Logan through Postmodern Jukebox. And she nailed it, together with the accompanying musicians. Listen for once […]
Not over yet despite the years that have passed. This is what former ABS-CBN television show host Willie Revillame finds as the Court of Appeals ordered the revival of the P2.2 billion compulsory counterclaims suit of the network in 2010. Revillame was the host of the defunct Wowowee variety show. […]
When there are one too many actors named Chris in Hollywood, the fans are plunged into unnecessary confusion. On this May 6th 2017 edition of Saturday Night Live, host Chris Pine have to ID himself to the crowd effectively in an entertaining manner. And who are the other Chris? Chris […]
Don’t fret now. Even outside the United States, the multitude of interested enthusiasts are given a fair share of opportunity to watch and enjoy the show of performances non-stop. This is the live stream, in fact, in three channels to blow your brain of dreaming and wanting to be there […]
American TV host makes fake commercial about United Airlines and it is funny and sad. Thank you Jimmy Kimmel for placing on the front row seat the flight of the obviously Asian man on that United Airlines plane. When already the details of the incident had been swarm-broadcasted on cable […]
The 80’s popular rock band Journey finally got inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame last Friday. It was the 32nd year in a row of honoring musicians into the prestigious list of outstanding musicians that left an indelible mark in the music and entertainment industry. But while […]
When a YouTube superstar is hit hard by presumed detractors and envious reporters by using the print and online media, what do observers and fans expect? That personality will answer. And answer back was what Felix Kjellberg, aka PewDiePie did to dish out his apology shared to 53,320,211 of his […]
As the Jolliibee Valentine marketing series invade the fancy of netizens and become viral, it also brought in various reactions. These reactions swarm into various social network sharing platforms like YouTube, Facebook and Twitter. Down below we share selected reactions that range from funny and otherwise. A Youtube user posted […]
This is Lady Gaga’s Pepsi Zero Sugar Super Bowl Halftime Show full entertainment performance courtesy of Pepsi during the Super bowl halftime show, February 5, 2017 in Houston, Texas, USA. Enjoy the thunderous and exhuberant performance with the triumphant jump from above, thanks to the safety harness. The raw vocals […]
The entertainment value of this NASA video is timeless. And it is not easy to beat even while already much dated. Of course it was a parody of a song and dance number made famous by musical artist Psy (Park Jae-sang) released on July 15, 2012 by South Korean labels […]
Have you seen the cutest and freshest endorser of a money remittance service lately? This kid is the fresh-faced endorser of money remittance without trying. And he is a total winner. He may well be the freshest face endorsing the remittance service as compared to the usual, casual and regular […]
Up to what great lengths do people venture just for amusement or otherwise? On this episode, the YouTube maker perfectly wasted food for a lengthy episode of ants eating set with somehow ‘appropriate music.’ In some distant unknown corners of the world, people are just dreaming to take a bite […]
It is back. They are back. The ‘Gilmore Girls’ is back. And the whole team is on-board. After signing off from free TV years back, Gilmore girls- the series is back. At least for a very limited time, eh, episodes. The much-anticipated return comes with four memorable chapters from the […]
The closest glimpse we can get on the Martian surface is here. At least in this short clip yet of the upcoming science fiction series ‘Mars’. So here we go, on-board the spacecraft just on the verge of landing on the surface of the uncharted planet. Of course, Mars is […]
A Filipino-Australian model was crowned last night the country’s representative to the upcoming Miss World 2016 beauty tilt in Washington DC in December. Catriona Elisa Magnayon Gray, 22 topped the list of winners among the 23 contestants during the pageant held at the Manila Hotel Tent on Sunday night. Gray’s […]
This puzzle has captured the interest of one too many from a Facebook post. Over 542K posted their answer and solution but no one seems to know the right answer. And everyone are sticking to their given answer, though. The puzzle has already been shared and liked topping the 75K. […]
Hidilyn Diaz, the lone Filipino Olympian silver medalist during the past Rio2016 Olympic Games was thankful enough for representing the country in the sports competition in Brazil. She was doubly thankful with the P5 million cash prize from the government with an additional P2 million from President Rodrgio Duterte. But […]
Synopsis: Upset about moving from a big city to a small town, teenager Zach Cooper (Dylan Minnette) finds a silver lining when he meets the beautiful girl, Hannah (Odeya Rush), living right next door. But every silver lining has a cloud, and Zach’s comes when he learns that Hannah has […]
Listen (and watch) to both music below and get entertained. One is an original and the other was “alleged” to have infringed copyright of the first. It must be, according to a federal jury in Los Angeles. The court found that the 2013 hit “Dark Horse” by popular singer Katy […]
Pan is a 2015 British-American-Australian 3D fantasy adventure family film directed by Joe Wright and written by Jason Fuchs. The film is a prequel to Scottish author J. M. Barrie’s Peter Pan story, first staged in 1904. It stars Hugh Jackman, Garrett Hedlund, Rooney Mara, and Levi Miller as the […]
This is a short video of kids, probably siblings or related, having total fun in their own simple way in the shoreline of Victoria Bay Resort in Oas, Albay province. Masayang ibinabahagi ang maikling bidyu na ito, ng mga batang naglilikot at naghaharutan sa baybayin ng Victoria Bay Resort. [ […]
Who is the person, group of persons, civic organization, religious organization? behind, pushing this trending tweet, that so many have joined, and are joining the bandwagon? [five_sixth_last] While we were almost inclined to repost some of the tweets, it is better to leave them at that. It is because it […]
After the successful debut of Michael Christian Martinez in figure skating at the 2014 Sochi Olympics, Malacanang, thru assistant spokesperson Abigail Valte uttered this message: “Undeniably, his performance in Sochi will attract more people to donate to his cause and training.” “It’s a long road to 2018 and we wish […]
Can you do this? Like turn your head 360 degrees, but of course with a little help from big brother’s hand head grip. via GIPHY Those who have seen the video doubted it was done with the help of good video edit and the works. Even if this kid can […]
Looking back how Asia’s Got Talent finalist Gerphil Flores flunked the chance to reach the finals of Pinoy Got Talent due two judges favored the other contestant. Ironic as the other contestant failed to reach the high note which the other judge rightfully pointed out. Fast forward now, Gerphil (Fame) […]
During the streaming live coverage of the 1st SONA of President Rodrigo Duterte courtesy of RTV-Malacanang on July 25, 2016, viewers were entertained by the PNP Director General Ronald dela Rosa dropping by the set and gamely interacted with the hosts. Before he left, Dela Rosa joined coverage hosts Diane […]
The Oscars Awards for 2016 is done. And the long list of winners is here. It is the night of Leonardo DiCaprio who at last, won the best actor after the many nominations in the past years he was sidelined. Earlier, the actor also won the Best Actor in Golden […]
Man plays John Lennon’s ‘Imagine’ on Paris street after terrorist attack A man pulled his piano with a bike up to rue Richard Lenoir ten meters from the Bataclan, the theater last night was the scene of the bloodiest terrorist attacks in Paris. Then he began to play the notes […]
Up to what great lengths do people venture just for amusement or otherwise? On this episode, the YouTube maker perfectly wasted food for a lengthy episode of ants eating set with somehow ‘appropriate music.’ In some distant unknown corners of the world, people are just dreaming to take a bite […]
MANILA, May 15 – Malacanang on Friday laud El Gamma Penumbra, a Filipino shadow play group, for winning the grand finals of Asia’s GotTalent on Thursday night at the Marina Bay Sands in Singapore. ”We praise the group of El Gamma Penumbra for their success as champion of Asia’s Got […]
Video: Previews of MIFF 2015 official entries. Watch here the trailers of official entries to the 2015 MetroManila Film Festival that opens to participating theaters starting today. It is best to watch and pay for movies in theaters when one is informed. My Bebe Love Nilalang Walang Forever Haunted mansion […]
Remember the Arrowman we mentioned on this post Arrowman gets noticed in Albay hosting of Palarong Pambansa 2016? The athlete was part of the CARAGA Athletic Association team delegation for the Palarong Pambansa 2016 recently concluded and held for the first time ever in Albay province. The young guy we […]
The same before and even now. This is how sand is being sifted or sieved for small construction works in our place. My brothers Bobby and Benny show us ‘How to sift or sieve sand #short”. Walang pagbabago mula noon hanggang ngayon. Ganito magsala o magsigsig ng buhangin para sa […]
This is a short video of kids, probably siblings or related, having total fun in their own simple way in the shoreline of Victoria Bay Resort in Oas, Albay province. Masayang ibinabahagi ang maikling bidyu na ito, ng mga batang naglilikot at naghaharutan sa baybayin ng Victoria Bay Resort. [ […]
Red Monkey Talks presents the first immersion on movie trailer review reaction of “The Lady of Heaven.” A late, late posting culled from Red Monkey Talks Youtube channel. In the most recent post in our in-motion channel, Man of Good Will dropped a comment and made a suggestion that we […]
Presenting here, an age old tradition in the region of Bicol (Philippines). In a Bicolano wedding event, the principal sponsors and the couple’s parents join hands and help out newly weds navigate a new beginning. A little help can go a long, long way. After the entourage and guests had […]
NAGA CITY, March 21 — Seen lately on nationwide television was the diminutive superstar Nora Aunor herself marching hand in hand with a crowd of like minded people. Later the Bicolana who used to be from Iriga city, delivered her address. She calls for President Benigno S. Aquino III to […]
Прошлый сезон A photo posted by @semenbukharin on Nov 28, 2014 at 3:00am PST With neither brush, ink and canvas artist create artworks in the snow. With neither brush nor canvas for his artworks, this school groundskeeper create his paintings in the snow. Semyon Bukharin, a janitor in one of […]
American TV host makes fake commercial about United Airlines and it is funny and sad. Thank you Jimmy Kimmel for placing on the front row seat the flight of the obviously Asian man on that United Airlines plane. When already the details of the incident had been swarm-broadcasted on cable […]
Pan is a 2015 British-American-Australian 3D fantasy adventure family film directed by Joe Wright and written by Jason Fuchs. The film is a prequel to Scottish author J. M. Barrie’s Peter Pan story, first staged in 1904. It stars Hugh Jackman, Garrett Hedlund, Rooney Mara, and Levi Miller as the […]
Remember the Arrowman we mentioned on this post Arrowman gets noticed in Albay hosting of Palarong Pambansa 2016? The athlete was part of the CARAGA Athletic Association team delegation for the Palarong Pambansa 2016 recently concluded and held for the first time ever in Albay province. The young guy we […]