PALARONG PAMBANSA 2014, “Sports is a way of Life.”  The Province of Laguna has been engaged  to several historic sports events such as Batang Pinoy in the early 80’s and currently aspiring to become the Sports Development Capital in the Phillipines under the administration of Gov. E.R. Once again Laguna is playing host to the biggest and grandest Palarong Pambansa 2014 showcasing at least 17,000 student-athletes from 17 regions in the Philippines who is competing in this annual sporting event.   The opening ceremony last May 5 was held at the sprawling Laguna Sports Complex.   Actor and former swimming athlete Enchong Dee together with De La Salle University Track and Field Team Captain Jerico Ejercito, Olympics ice skater Michael Martinez and basketball players Jeron and Jerick Teng led the torch relay that officially marked the opening of Palarong Pambansa 2014.   Featuring 17 sports discipline and 3 demonstration sports, Laguna Governor Jeorge E.R. Ejercito Estregan and Manila Mayor Joseph Estrada and DepEd Secretary Armin Luistro were among the guests of honor.  The unveiling of the 26 foot tall monument of Dr. Jose Rizal as a sports man was one of the highlights of the event making it the tallest Rizal monument in the world.  (Christine Angelee C. Sy/Photos by Edgard R. Flores and Dhick Jorge A. Magcalas/PIO-Laguna)