Batang Pinoy: Baguio bets pull away from field

Baguio tanker Jenkins Lorenzo Labao created the biggest waves on the first day of swimming competitions as the host city continued to hold sway in the Northern Luzon qualifying stage of the Batang Pinoy at the Athletic Bowl in Baguio City.

The 13-year-old University of Baguio student reigned supreme in the 200m freestyle, 100m back and 50m fly and was also part of the triumphant 200m medley relay squad.

Labao’s victories at the pool and the athletics team’s haul of nine golds boosted Baguio’s total collection to 44 in the grassroots-based meet designed for athletes 15-years-old and below.

Carting away golds for Baguio in athletes were Ike Kevin Yagin in the boys 1,500m run, Agustina Anganayon in the girls 1,500m run, Reagan Contic in the boys javelin throw, Stefanny Florez in the 1,500 girls walk, Jasmine Felix in the girls javelin throw and the boys and girls’ 4x100m and 4x400m relay.

Baguio also won 12 golds in judo and wrestling in this event organized by the Philippine Sports Commission in partnership with Smart, Maynilad and Summit Mineral Drinking Water.

Floyd Derek Rillera ruled the 42 kg event of judo, duplicating the victories of Rainer Zaparita in the 46 kg, Jerald Andre Kim in the -55 kg, Htai Andro Kienh Cudao in the -60 kg and Derek Clarence Dino in the -66 kg.

The hosts also swept the seven golds in wrestling with David Caoili (38 kg), Elizur Cayat (42 kg), Val Kindapan (47 kg), Jerald Bosicao (53 kg), Cristendon Martin (59 kg), Roselyn Malbja (girls 44 kg) and Minalyn Foy-os (girls 52 kg) reigning supreme in their respective events.

Baguio looked poised to lord over lawn tennis with Neil Tangalin defeating Edgar Bangco of Olongapo City in the boys singles, 6-2, 6-4.

Monica Cortez outplayed Jazeelyn Edeco, also of Olongapo, 6-0, 6-2 in the girls singles, before pairing up with Marjorie Tumapang to overpower the tandem of Joy Ann Macaraeg at Donna Mae Regala, 6-3, 6-2.

Also making an impact in the pool were Filipino-American Nathania Rockwood of La Union and Patricia Jem Pangan of Angeles City, who captured three gold medals each.

Rockwood ruled the girls 12-13 100m breast, 50m fly and 50m free while Pangan won golds in the girls 14-15 years old 200m relay, 50m free and 50m fly.

Dexter John Lacuna, brother of 2011 Southeast Asian Games silver medalist Jessie King Lacuna, also collected two golds, after topping the boys 14-15 200m freestyle and 100m backstroke.