Pangasinan to stage hi-tech Palaro

LINGAYEN, Philippines  – This one promises to be a Palarong Pambansa like no other.

For the first time in history, action in this year’s Palaro, set May 6-13 in Pangasinan, can be viewed online – from any part of the globe.

“It’s a hi-tech Palaro. We have a website with 18 channels – one for TV and for each of the 17 sports disciplines,” said Vangie Padilla of the event’s social media team.

“The games can be seen on iPads, smart phones and androids. This is an advanced Palaro,” she said yesterday during an audio visual presentation at the Capitol Resort Hotel here.

It’s the first time that the Palaro is employing a full social media team for the livestream coverage of the games.

“Where ever you are in the world, you can watch this Palaro,” Padilla added.

Pangasinan Gov. Amado Espino Jr., a retired police officer and known as a workaholic, is leaving no stone unturned that this Palaro will set the trend for future stagings.

“We want to make this as the benchmark for future Palaro,” said Espino.

Rafael Baraan, the provincial administrator, said there’s a very good chance that President Aquino will grace the formal opening ceremony on May 7, a day after action begins.

Because of the punishing summer heat, organizers have decided against holding any field event from 10 a.m.-3 p.m., meaning only indoor games will be played during the period.

During the lull, the TV channel of the official Palaro website (www.palarongpambansa2012.com will be used to the hilt, with airing of replays, interviews, commentaries and talk shows.

In basketball alone, several cameras will be used, and while only one game will be aired live, in its own channel, there will be real-time scoring for the other ongoing matches.

“If you miss the matches live, you can watch the replays. We also have a photo gallery for each sport. Our social media team will work non-stop on this one,” Padilla added.

Other sports to be played include archery, arnis, athletics, badminton, baseball, boxing, chess, football, gymnastics, sepak takraw, softball, swimming, taekwondo, table tennis, lawn tennis and volleyball.

Baraan said everything is falling into place regarding the hosting. He said they’re expecting close to 7,000 athletes and officials from the 17 different regions.

“The billeting areas are complete with only the finishing touches needed for the playing venues in Lingayen, San Carlos, Dagupan, Binmaley and Calasiao,” he said.

He also assured the safety of each delegate, citing the fact that Gov. Espino is the former regional director for the Philippine National Police.

“It will be fun in Pangasinan,” Baraan said.