Palaro opens; shot put mark tumbles

STA. CRUZ, Laguna—Seventeen-year-old Bryan Pacheco of Region 3 set a new mark in high school boys’ shot put as the Palarong Pambansa 2014 officially kicked off here Monday with a merry mix of politics and show biz glitter.

Former President and now Manila Mayor Joseph Estrada was a scene-stealer, the helicopter carrying him landing in the softball field while his nephew, Laguna Gov. Jeorge “ER” Estregan, was delivering the opening remarks.

Dust billowed as Estrada walked to a waiting vehicle that brought him to the grandstand to join other guests, including Sec. Joel Villanueva of Tesda, basketball siblings Jeric and Jeron Teng, Olympian skater Michael Martinez and swimmer-turned-actor Enchong Dee.

Boxing champion Manny Pacquiao and basketball ace James Yap failed to make it to the opening rites held at the sun-baked Laguna Sports Complex, a 19-hectare facility that also showcases a 26-foot monument of Dr. Jose Rizal.

Pacheco, who just graduated from Baler National High School, hurled the iron ball to a distance of 15.32 meters, erasing the record of 13.90 set in the 2012 Palaro by Riche Jey Cabanyug of Western Visayas.

“I woke up this morning feeling good,” said Pacheco in Filipino. “I’m happy because I gave it my all in training.”

Pacheco will also see action in javelin throw, his favorite event where he is the reigning Palaro record holder (57.81 meters), and discus throw.

The son of a tricycle driver and store-keeper said he wanted to make a name for himself and help his family.

Top universities in Metro Manila are said to be offering him athletic scholarships.

Ronmols Andaya of Zamboanga Peninsula placed second with a 14.46 effort, while Wendell Llames of Calabarzon was third with 14.07 as the top three placers all surpassed the meet mark.

Young chess upstarts also grabbed a piece of the spotlight with Marie Antoinette San Diego of Calabarzon, Daryl Unix Samantila and Jesca Docena of National Capital Region and Chris Aldritz Pondoyo of Central Visayas each bagging two golds in blitz events.

San Diego topped the individual high school girls’ competition and teamed up with silver medalist Shania Mae Mendoza for the team gold.

Samantila ruled the individual high scholl boys’ division and the team event with Charles Daniel Abuzo.

Docena topped the elementary girls’ division and claimed the team gold with Kylen Joy Mordido, while Pondoyo did the same in the elementary boys’ tournament before joining hands with Jeremy Tanudra for the team title.