PUERTO PRINCESA CITY—Arveen Naeem Taguinota was soaked in optimism after raking in nearly all the golds in his events at the Philippine Sports Commission Batang Pinoy Games.
That degree of confidence will be Taguinota’s investment when the Thailand-based 13-year-old goes through the Philippine qualifiers for the Southeast Asia (SEA) Age Group Swimming Championships, his entry point to the national swim team.
“I will try to go for tryouts in the SEA Age [Group] next year. My times are already close to the qualifying times for me to make it,” said Taguinota after scooping six gold medals at Ramon V. Mitra Jr. Sports Complex pool.
Taguinota grabbed the most medals at the conclusion of the Games on Thursday with victories in the 100-meter (m) butterfly, 100m and 200m backstroke and 200m individual medley.
Taguinota also powered Pasig City to a pair of golds in the boys 13-under 4x50m freestyle relay and 4x50m medley relay.
His lone miss wasn’t even a miss at all: He finished with a silver medal in the 100m butterfly.
“I feel that I can join the Philippine team in the future, compete for the country and go to the Olympics,” said Taguinota.
The Grade 8 student from the British International School in Phuket, Thailand, also sparkled in the pool during last year’s edition in Manila and his composure increased with better clockings this time.
“I have better PBs (personal best) this year and I’m proud of helping my team (Pasig City),” said Taguinota.