Swimmer Maurice Sacho Ilustre will return to the scene of his unbelievable triumph in the Palarong Pambansa set to unfold this week in San Jose de Buenavista, Antique.
Over 12,000 delegates, including 7,000 elementary and high school athletes from the country’s 18 regions, will converge in the capital town famed for its Spanish era architecture.
“This is going to be the happiest, biggest party for Antiqueños,” said Antique Gov. Rhodora Cadiao.
Ilustre’s eight gold medals aided traditional overall champion National Capital Region’s medal machine for a successful campaign last year in Albay.
The Big City athletes brought home a medal trove of 104 golds, 57 silvers and 48 bronzes and handily defeated Southern Tagalog.
Famed Antique discus throwers—Far Eastern Games’ Georgina Abrico and Southeast Asian Games champion Dorie Cortejo—would also be honored.