John Alcala is doing everything to make sure that the IRONMAN 70.3 Puerto Princesa crown will remain on his head when the competition starts on 12 November.

To defend the title, Alcala focused on strengthening his weakest area.

"I never skip a workout and I do a little extra especially in the swim part because I know that's where I'm weakest," Alcala said during a break in training for the blue-ribbon event in the country's tropical paradise.

The Dipolog City ace, who relied on his excellent running skills to emerge the surprise winner of the 1.9-km swim, 90-km bike and 21-km run event in Palawan last year, has gone the extra mile in his swim training to improve this aspect of his performance against a strong international field of competitors.

"I am training hard for this. All eyes on me since I am the defending champion. But I will try my best to defend my title and I will give them a good fight," Alcala, who also topped the IM 70.3 Subic Bay last June to showcase his consistent performance in the ever-growing tri-sport, added.

Meanwhile, the event will serve as host to the Asia TriClub and Relay Championship with Puerto Princesa putting up a P500,000 prize for the winning club.

Headlining the early roster in the Asia TriClub and Relay Championship are Gas Coaching, Fit PH, Baguio Benguet Triathlon, Las Vegas Tri Club, Heroes Hotel Adventure, ArmyNavy SouthTri, Loolaba Tri Club, Les Sables Vendee, La Rochelle Tri and KOA Sports.