By KRISTEL SATUMBAGA
Gymnast Karl Eldrew Yulo of Manila and swimmer Quendy Fernandez of Puerto Princesa shared the limelight after collecting seven and five gold medals, respectively, in the 2023 Batang Pinoy and Philippine National Games in various venues Wednesday, Dec. 20.
The 15-year-old Yulo, who is slowly emerging from the huge shadows of his world champion older brother Carlos Yulo, topped the boys 14-17 division of the men’s artistic gymnastics after topping the vault, still rings, floor exercise, high bar, parallel bar, pommel horse and individual all-around.
At the Philsports pool in Pasig City, the 18-year-old Fernandez topped the girls’ 18-above 200-meter backstroke by timing 2 minutes and 29.52 seconds for her fifth gold medal.
The University of the Philippines (UP) standout and UAAP MVP edged Antipolo City’s Diana Cruz (2:36.99) and Pasig City’s Ricielle Melecio (2:38.67).
It was by far the best performance to date by an athlete in the PNG.
“I focused more on myself and how to win,” said Fernandez, who was quick to pay tribute to the late Palawan Swimming Club mentor Toyskie Dalisay after exceptional efforts.
She first made her campaign felt in the 50m back in Day 1 (30.43sec), before racking up golds in Day 2 in the 50m butterfly (29.34sec), 100m back (1:07.66) and the 200m medley relay with teammates Maglia Jay Dignadice, Pearl June Daganio and Cindy Fernandez (2:29.52).
Over at the nearby track oval, Lyka Catubig of Davao ruled the women’s 5000m walk in 19:26.84 to add to her 3000m gold.
In Batang Pinoy’s arnis at the AMMB Activity Area, Iloilo, La Carlota and Ilagan dominated the 16 traditional and non-traditional single weapon mints staked in the country’s national sport with three apiece.
Iloilo’s wins came from Nathan Zal Allona in cadet A boys 7-9 years old, Dariella Sina-on in cadet A girls 7-9 and Queenie Simpas in juniors B 16-17.
La Carlota relied on two mints by Jehan Ontanillas in cadet B girls 10-12 in traditional and non traditional, and one from Johnmae Roxette Micoyco in the juniors A girls 13-15 non traditional single weapon.
Jaylieane Mae Bernales (juniors B girls 16-17), Nilo Medel (cadet B boys 10-12) and John Khian Daniel (cadet A boys 7-19), for their part, delivered the triumphs for Iligan.
In muay thai at the Manuel Roxas High School, Baguio collared five of the nine gold staked for the day courtesy of Aiden Eclipse (boys 14-15 old wai kru), Edel Ali Ngina (boys 16-17 old wai kru), Lara Czarina Langaoen (girls 8-9 wai kru), Lyre AnieNgina (girls 12-13 old wai kru) and Pathiel Eave dela Rosa (girls 14-15 old waikru).
