RAP SIOS-E WRAPS UP HIS FIRST OVERALL TITLE AT NEGOR TRI

SAN JOSE, NEGOR - After a string of top finishes for this season, from the NAGT in Cebu as well as the Panglao Tri, Carmen Cebu's number 1 triathlete Rap Sios-e finally sealed his first ever overall victory win in a triathlon race. Anchored on a strong bike leg, Rap finished the 750 m swim, 20 kms. bike leg and 5 kms run with a total time of 1:09:50, to cross the line first among nearly a total of 100 participants. With a panoramic view of southern Cebu, it was a fitting display of strength for the prodigy of Carmen, winning the NEGOR Sprint Triathlon held here at Wuthering Heights Beach Resort, Negros Oriental, last june 19, 2011. Upon interview, Rap shared that he was "lucky, and that it felt great to win an overall, especially that it is my first time to do so." Rounding out the podium for the overall were Wilbert Laurecio (1:10:54) and Fidel Ovas (1:13:03), who finished the race in 2nd and 3rd, respectively. FATHER & DAUGHTER TANDEM CONTINUE TO SHINE While the core of Team Reborn were on a training camp, the tandem of Tyrone Tan and Rochelle Tan, opted to join the race and came out winning on top of their respective age categories, with Tyrone taking the 40-above in 1:14:08 as daughter Rochelle won the female category in 1:22:25. It was sweet victory for the both as they traveled all the way from Cebu City on race day. Top three winners for each age group category were awarded with medals as items were raffled off as well, bike socks, HERBALIFE supplements (c/0 Hiroshi Takei) and Globe prepaid cards. Lunch were also served to all athletes right on the highest floor of the resort, with a breathtaking view of the horizon. Triathletes from all over the region came out in support of this race. Racers from Cebu City, Lapulapu City, Bacolod, Dumaguete, and even from Manila based triathletes trooped to San Jose NEGOR to race. SPONSORS AND LOCAL SUPPORT ABOUND Race organizer Katrian Jandoc of Sparks Tri and Race Director Joey Alban would like to acknowledge all the sponsors who made this event possible. Province of NEGROS OR., Habhaban, Coca-Cola, Tri-Amps, Mc Donald's, Kiwanis International, ADS Unlmtd, GVA "Baraxs" Trading, Foundation University, San Jose NEG OR, Earthworks Auto Parts, Globe, Wuthering Heights Beach Resort. The Organizers would also like to thank the Local Police, San Jose Rescue Team as well as the Coast Guard for the security and safety of all triathletes. Sugbutri's Technical Head Benjoe Gimenez as well as RJ Balbuena and Farrah Digal assisted in directing the race. Swimmers and former varsity swimmers from Silliman University, Dolphins/Aqua Team, and parents of swimmers also lent their hands marshaling the race. IN THIS PHOTO: RACE WINNERS AS WELL AS RACE ORGANIZER KATRINA JANDOC, RACE DIRECTOR JOEY ALBAN AND SUGBUTRI'S BENJOE GIMENEZ. BY RJ BALBUENA