The Torch-Palarong Pambansa 2018-Issue No. 4

Awards up for deserving reg’l BANTAY, Ilocos Sur - From bronze to “Bakbakan po talaga sa last 100
delegations gold! meters pero noongmarinig ko ang
cheersngmga teammatesko,
VIGANCITY-Asidefrom haulingmedals, The dream of Francis San Gabriel to ginanahan na po ako,” (It was a
there is also another competition that does not snatch a gold in the 2018 Palarong close fight in the last 100 meters but
include physical training and battle in the Pambansa finally became a reality as he when I heard the cheers of my team
court;insteadit encouragesvaluessuch walked to glory in the 2000-meter race mates, I went all the way for the
asdiscipline,teamwork andloveof walk, eclipsing NCR’s defending gold), he said, admitting that his
environment. champion Bryan Oxales in a race to the motivation last year was lower
end at the sweltering Quirino Stadium compared to this year.
The Palaro Executive here, April 17.
Committee will be awarding the San Gabriel literally, was just one
following titles to the most deserving The 17-year old Grade 10 student of step ahead of Oxales at the finish
region in the 2018 Palarong Umingan Central National High School line, making it one of the biggest
Pambansa: Most Disciplined in Pangasinan, bronze medalist in upsets in this race event normally
Delegation, Most Organized Delegation, Antique last year, clocked 9 minutes and dominated by NCR.
Best Billeting School and Cleanest, 33:01 as against Oxales’ 9 minutes and
Greenest and Eco-Friendliest Delegation. 33:15 seconds. Peter Lachica of Region “I am dedicating this victory to my
Winners will be given cash incentives. 12 came in 3rd at 9:56:52. parents and to my coach Virgilio
Padilla,” he said, beaming with
A tree planting activity, which can pride and honor. (Rose Joy C. Lagmay)
be done upon arrival or until the
duration of the Palaro, serves as a THE OFFICIAL DAILY NEWSLETTER OF THE 2018 PALARONG PAMBANSA
highlight of each region’s clean and green Volume 1, Number 4 April 18, 2018 Ilocos Sur
activities.

In support to this advocacy, delegates
from each region started conducting tree
planting activities with the assistance of
the Municipal and Provincial
Environment and Natural Resources
Offices of the billeting towns.
(Maria Concepcion A. Iglesias)

BANTAY, Ilocos Sur- National Capital Region (NCR) DOMINATING WATERS. Metro Manila Stalwarts Coronel and Jacinto dive their way to
dubbed as Metro Manila Stalwarts continued to display becoming champions and record breakers in the 100m backstroke secondary girls
formidable guts after Samantha Therese Coronel and and boys. (Photo credits: Claire Tagasa & Manuel Zacarias)
Jerard Dominic Jacinto stamped all their rivals in
swimming (finals) to break Palaro records at the Quirino NCR paddlers cop 3 golds
swimming pool, April 17.
in table tennis team events
Coronel and Jacinto had captured the limelight in
the last Palarong Pambansa, putting them as top seeds SAN ILDEFONSO, Ilocos Sur - The mighty Kheith Rhynne Cruz carried the Stalwarts
and heavy favorites to repeat their feats in the 2018 National Capital Regional Athletic Association into a scintillating victory crowning
Palaro. (NCRAA) paddlers showed their dominance in themselves this year’s Palaro.
table tennis team events by thrashing the Meanwhile, the secondary girls
The crowd was stunned when Coronel started to Region IX’s Zamboanga Sharks, 3-1 in the 2018 paddlers scored an unblemished 3-0
prove her might and outswam all her adversaries in the Palarong Pambansa held at the Philippine record in dispatching the Patriots of the
100m backstroke (secondary girls category) with her Science High School-Ilocos Region Campus Central Luzon Regional Athletic
1:06.58 time, breaking the all-time record of 1:07.12 set
by her co-Stalwart buddy Nicole Pamintuan in last year’s
Palarong Pambansa in Antique.

Meanwhile, Jacinto gained composure and proved
being a crowd favorite topping anew the 100m backstroke
(secondary boys) with a record of 1:00:12, 40 seconds shy
to his best record of 59.64.

“I really tried my best but I just committed some errors in my
turns but I will be more careful on that. Ito na ang fourth individual
gold medal ko sa Palaro kasi ‘yong isa ay sa group,” Jacinto said.

NCR tankers are expected to snare more golds in swimming the
days ahead. (Peter V. Gadia Jr. and Joseph Dulatre)

(PSHS-IRC), San Ildefonso, Ilocos Sur, yesterday. Association (CLRAA) in their finals match.
The Metro Manila Stalwarts produced The quartet of Keziahbien Ablaza, Lyane
sterling performances from the combined Ruth Chavez, Angelou Joyce Laude and
efforts of ace players Kheith Rhynne Cruz , Jannah Naryam Romero made mince
Jigyosa Gopil Cabrido (who incidentally lost to meat of their opponents by zeroing
Alexa Daniela Borja of ZPRAA) and the them in three straight sets to
unbeatable tandem of Laurenz Medrano and capture the elusive
Vhernalie Cruz to capture the team event championship crown.(Tom
crown in elementary girls competition, 3-1. Sumbad & Aniceto
“Team effort, diligent practices coupled Pagaling Jr.)
with prayers and full support from the DepEd
NCR motivated us to do our best despite stiff
resistance from a competitive ZPRAA team.
Also as an added driving force to us was our
failure to defend our crown in last year’s
Palarong Pambansa,” Coach Vinessa Cruz
said.
Banking on the clean 3-0 she scored in
two singles match, the lanky but aggressive
Kheith Rhynne Cruz

2

NCR Stalwarts squeak past CL Patriots;

Cagayan Green Hawks rout Davao Eagles ALMOST BUT NOT QUITE: Davao
Eagles’ Bernard Lowell Lugo (back)
(SAN ILDEFONSO, ILOCOS SUR -NCR’s playmaker Renzo Competente tries to steal the ball from John
converted a lay-up and a free throw with 20 seconds remaining to Patrick Martinez of the Green
help his team escape with a 57-55 win over a stubborn, never-say- Hawks in this bit of Palaro action
die Central Luzon Patriots squad in a pulsating match of the at the San Ildefonso Gym, April 12
Palarong Pambansa Elementary Basketball tournament at the morning. The Green Hawks crushed
municipal gym here, April 16. the Eagles, 75-52. (Photo by
Joanna Lyn Andres)
The Patriots were ahead 55-54 in the dying seconds of the game,
but the Stalwarts completed a steal and turned the ball to Volleyball elims, elementary
Competente who starred in that last-ditch heroism and denied the
Patriots the much-coveted victory. NCR, thus, advanced to the next Tangerine Volts clobber Fearless Highlanders, 2-0
round.
VIGAN CITY, ILOCOS SUR – The Highlanders failed to
It was a neck and neck battle for supremacy until the Stalwarts Unstoppable spikes and superb assert their strategic game plan
soared ahead for a 40-30 bubble at the end of the 3rd quarter. But defensive stance unleashed by because of poor communication,
the Patriots’ three point shooters went to work in the 4th quarter the Tangerine Volts finished-off sloppy ball execution and feeble
and were up by 1 going into the final 20 seconds. the Fearless Highlanders, 2-0 (25- defense. They finally yielded to
21, 25-16) in the volleyball their more experienced
It was then at this point that Competente took over to clinch the elimination match( Elementary opponents for that resounding
victory for NCR. Boys) at the Ayusan Norte loss.
covered court, April 17.
“Malaking lesson ito sa mga bata kaya kakausapin ko sila mamaya. Alam “We are thankful that we are
nilang kaya nila pero pinahirapan pa sarili nila. Lamang kami ng 10 points With the Fearless Highlanders given the chance to be part of
sa 3rd quarter pero nagrelaks sila at iyon ang naging problema siguro,” dishing out anemic services, the the Palarong Pambansa 2018 and
(This is a big lesson to the kids so I have to talk to them. They know Tangerine Volts grabbed the represent our region,” said Volt
they can make it but they relaxed in the 3rd quarter when we were opportunity to dominate the first coachJohnny Boy Cayman.
up by 10, and that was the problem) NCR Coach Galo Gammad said set of the game, pounding their “I’m very happy with our
with mixed emotion of happiness and worry for almost losing the helpless opponents to end the players’ performances and I
game. set, 25-21. know that with their
teamwork, self-esteem and
In other developments, the CAVRAA Green Hawks routed the In the second set, the Volts faith in God, they will
DAVRAA Eagles 75-52 behind the scorching shooting attack of John further changed the complexion continue to excel through our
Patrick Martinez in the 4th quarter, also at the San Ildefonso Gym, of the game with blazing spikes constant motivation and
April 17.(Irene V. Balasan and Joanna Lyn P. Andres) and killer wallops compliment of support,” he added.
team captain Verjel Dampor with
CALABARZON volleybelles beleaguer tricky ball placements by Ben Cayman said that team will
Kirby Villabito to deny Fearless resume their training to
Blue Baron spikers Highlanders’ resistance, 25-16. prepare for their remaining
The duo’s splendid style of game games in the elimination
CALABARZON’s Verinicce Colendra led a balanced attack in the 2nd and 3rd sets to was a big help in demolishing the round. (Daniel G. Cuenca Jr &
upturn the table against the Western Visayas Blue Barons (elementary girls), 2-1 (21- helpless Highlanders. Liezl A. Heraña)
25, 25-19, 25-20) to win in their elimination volleyball match at Beddeng Laud, Vigan
City, April 17.

Using her killer spikes and tricky placings, Colendra started off fiercely in the second
set after the Blue Barons grabbed set 1, 25-21.

“Dasal lang. ‘Yong skill talaga kay God e. (It’s about prayers. The skill is God’s.) an
overwhelmed Head Coach Aimee Mendoza exclaimed. “Sobrang crucial talaga ng
game na ito kasi ito na yung first step naming sa finals. (This match was very crucial

because it’s our step towards on our road to the finals.)

Region I outscores Region II in Men’s volleyball match
In a cliff-hanging match to barge into the semifinals and
between Region I and Region II, finals should luck turn on their side.
spectators were astonished at the Mark Velicaria and Sherwin
last on-point quick drive launched Caritativo started the first set with
by Derick Charles Germono that sharp service aces to earn the R12 SOX lambasts R3 Patriots, 18-8
ended the third set with a sweet initial scores for the Kingfishers.
victory for Region I against Region II, The Region II Hawks rallied with Ablazed like hefty whacks, the ang pagbato ko ng bola”,
2-1 in the men’s volleyball match 16 their Chinese kills and tricky R12-SOX subjugated the court as it Fernando said.
at the jampacked Sta. Catalina placings but were met with a nailed the R3 Patriots, 18-8 leading in
gymnasium, April 17. stonewall of defense. Mike the cumbersome Match 14 of the The second half started
Toting a 1-1 win-loss in the Genesis Ferrer then conspired with goalball bout held at the Ilocos Sur with the fuming attacks of the
scoreboard, The Region I Germono to douse a Region II rally Badminton Club, Bantay, Ilocos Sur, CLRAA Patriots. They tossed
Kingfishers still have a ray of hope to win the first set, 25-18. April 17. the ball as much as they could
A more defensive Hawks were and vexed to stop every throw
seen on the second set as they Earning to 9 points as of press of Fernando but the game
incessantly guarded their court with time, the SOCCSKSARGEN had swayed in favor of SOX as they
solid blocks and retaliated with grossed three straight winnings blocked all the attacks of the strong
swift service aces and bewildering topping Group B in the elimination CLRAA. After a 20-minute exchange
placings, defeating the Kingfishers, round. of throws and solid defenses, R-12
20-25. SOX seal Match 14 assault, 18-8.
The Kingfishers retaliated and The unstoppable throws
intensified their teamwork in the partnered with 360-degree twirl of “Constant practice and
final set to boost their scores Jeffrey Fernando and the defenses of teamwork made the team
through the clear-cut service aces the teammates Carl Justine Maypa unstoppable,” said coach Rufina L.
and baffling placings of Michael De and Michaela Rose Procalla, Cancel.
Guzman, Velicaria and Martin propelled the R12-SOX into 3 straight
Bugaoan. The Kingfishers finished goals bringing the team into victory Meanwhile, Region VI
off the third set with a blasting of the first half, 9-4. (WVRAA) won Match 15 against
quick drive from Germono which Region VII (CVRAA), 11-1 while
gave them the guaranteed victory, “Sariling style kopo ‘yon para Region XIII (CARAGA) won Match 16
makabwelo at mas malakas over Region 10 (NMRAA), 15-13.
(Mark E. Manzano)
25-22. (Saniata M. Piano)

Running barefooted 3
When the news that a barefooted girl won in the Medical School and director of the Spaulding National
3000m run in the 2018 Palarong Pambansa, it Running Center. “When you support a muscle, it doesn’t THE PALARO TORCH
immediately became viral in the social media and in the have to work as hard. When it doesn’t have to work as
newspapers. Lheslie De Lima, the human version of hard, it gets weak.” Editorial Board
Bicol Express, breezed past her 8 opponents to win the
Perhaps, the Bicol Express lass already knew Editor-in-Chief
race here at the Quirino Stadium although she was 3 these facts when she started running. Lydia T. Liclican
seconds short of tying the Palaro record of 10:03:04. Congratulations, Lheslie. You made Bicolandia Associate Editor
She said she is not comfortable running with her shoes extremely proud of you. Maria Concepcion A. Iglesias
because they are too heavy. *** Feature Editors
This reminds me of San Francisco personal Maria Novena A. Sarmiento, Frances
Another team to watch is Region 7’s elementary Jocelle Singson, Jenny Rose Arenas
trainer Kate Clemens who once did that, 6 miles into an football team, the defending Palaro champ. To date, the News Editors
18-mile race along the Pacific Crest Trail. After feeling a team has not allowed any opposing team to score a Mark Manzano, Saniata M. Piano, Edlyn
sharp pain in her knee, she took off her shoes and ran point, a feat which is very impressive considering that it Arranz, Susana Vicerra, Irene Javillonar
barefoot. Without shoes, her knee pain disappeared, has been playing with the best elementary kickers in the Sports Editors
and she was able to finish the race. “I felt a country. Its earlier victims were Mimaropa, CALABARZON Edward Antonio, Daniel Cuenca Jr.,
difference the minute I took my shoes off,” she recalls. and Northern Mindanao. CALABARZON was 2nd overall Marvin Tacal, Aniceto Pagaling Jr.,
“When I’m barefoot, my alignment is better and I run last year while Northern Mindanao was 8th. Mimaropa Thomas Sumbad, Pablo Tabin, Jr.
more from my core.” was 2nd to the last. Field Writers
Conditioning mentor Jodi Helmer said that Marvin Inay, Rose Joy Lagmay, Imelda
What is quite amusing is that after each victory, Peña, Pauline Arucan, Jocelyn Sabrido,
runners who wear shoes tend to strike the ground with Coach Glen Ramos and his kids would gather around a Karrina June Panelo, Augie Boy
the heels first. This gait, called a heel strike, generates Sto. Niño image and pay homage for their victory. A team Lorenzana, Arlyn Bautista, April Bobiles,
a force up to three times the body’s weight, which can member said it’s their “lucky charm,” believing that God Kizzel Mina, Jean Ishrael Dulay, Antonio
lead to injuries such as Achilles tendinitis and is their source of strength. Regunton, Jhoana Lyn Andres, Irene
stress fractures. Balasan, Ria Samelin, Mary Joy Ligayo,
Ramos expects rough sailing against NCR, Davao Richard Moreno, Mary Joy Lardizabal
In contrast, barefoot runners land on the balls of Region and Western Visayas in the upcoming rounds. Julius Antonio, Sharon Castillo, Paul
their feet, generating less impact when their feet strike “ARMM is a darkhorse also, but we are ready for Francis Banatin, Marjorie Quijano, Mary
the ground. Joy Aubrey Utrera, Liezl Heraña, Leah
“We’ve over-supported our feet (in running them,” Ramos said. Montilla, Arlene Ragunjan,Gerlie dela
Good luck, then to Coach Ramos and his Cebu- Rosa, Jennifer Requilman, Joseph Dulatre,
shoes) to the point that our foot doesn’t have to do based football team. Flordelina Lascota, Jasmin M. Abella,
what it’s designed to do,” says Irene S. Davis, professor Jennie Savellano, Joselito Leal, Ferdinand
of physical medicine and rehabilitation at Harvard See you and the kids around in your quest for Legaspi, Lorna Halabaso, Fahd Agbulos,
gold. Grace Garcia, Jennifer Savellano, Michelle
Vilog, Neil Kim Collado, Kristy Ann
Ilocos Sur made history by successfully winning its the bragging rights to host the Palaro. The heritage city of Guerero, Jeric Aren Dedicatoria, Shirley
bid to host the 2018 Palarong Pambansa. Gov.Ryan Luis Vigan is buzzing with business activities due to the influx of Daño, Elvie Ribuyaco, Aileen Anselmo,
Singson triumphantly announced the milestone right ater visitors and tourists to witness the nation-wide holding of Allen Abo, Delfin Irorita, Avelyn Joyce
the bagging of the hosting rights thru TVigan, the various sports disciplines. Almost all inns, transient rooms Flores,Lorena Cabanit, Erika Karen
province’s official broadcast network. and hotels as well as fastfood restaurants and eateries are Eleccion, Karen De Leon
filled-to-the brim, so to speak. This is a welcome Photojournalists
Indeed, it’s a golden oppurtunity for the Ilocanos to development to the city considered as one of the wonder Manuel Zacarias, Claire Tagasa, Charles
shine and display their athletic potentials. Yesterday’s cities of the world. Nice accomplishments and development Bernal, Paul Benedict Yacap, Juan Carlos
Palarong Pambansa opening rites highlighted President of the city made it tailor-fit to be a good host. Iglesias, Winette Sanidad, Aubrey
Rodrigo Duterte’s passion for sports particularly in the Somera, Dharen-Jake Garcia, Allen
annual Palaro. In his speech, he put premiums on the The provincial government of Ilocos Sur has all the Bolesa, Kenneth Raguindin, Darwin
sports development of the youth to keep them away from reasons to be elated these days. With strings of major events Mendoza, Arnel Bacnis, Nathaniel
harmful vices and undesirable activities that may that made it even more popular worldwide like the holding of Santella, Peter Gadia, Jr., Reymund
compromise the health of the populace and security of the last year’s Miss Universe to today’s Palarong Pambansa, all is Jimenez, Marilyn Raciles
country. running well and smoothly riding into the promise of a better Layout Artists
development and hosting rights to come. Congratulations to Mark Lovis Galanga, Rhoda Mae
Kudos to the macho-inspired leader of the land. all staffers of the Palarong Pambansa 2018! The event is only Aguimbag, Myrone Troy Dulatre, Joemar
Delegates from the various regions of the country show two-day old but it promises a lot of triumphs, records to be Regua, Ade John Gestole, Abihail Agcaoili,
praises to the province Ilocos Sur for offering them such broken and an assortment of great sports stories to be Annaliza Gray
very warm welcome. The billeting sites, selected created. Circulation Managers/Encoders
elementary and secondary schools, prepared their rooms Giovani Ulanimo, Melinda Revibes,
to provide comfort and basic amenities to the visitors. They Thanks to all DepEd officials, dedicated teachers and Maribeth Bista, Rodelyn Lazo,
definitely love the Ilocano hospitality, kindness and personnels who made the transpired sports events into Lovella Cubangbang
simplicity which made them declared: Ilocos Sur deserves written forms. May God bless us all! Ruth Miranda, Marilou Rialubin,
Rhoda Mae Aguimbag
Medal Tallyists
Leilani Navarro and Lamberto Rosario

Asst. Adviser
Mr. Marlon G. Taloza

Adviser
Dr. Maria Salome R. Abero

Consultants
Dr. Arnel C. Doctolero
Ms. Gemma Q. Tacuycuy, CESO V
Dr. Alma Ruby C. Torio, CESO III

4

Palaro surprises and twists

Some people are still rubbing their eyes in unbelief of the province’s hosting of the penultimate sports events in the country
with the different games played 1st class slowly unfolding before their eyes.

The first and second days of the Palaro saw promises of an exciting week, as in previous Palaros, with some bits of surprises
and twists.

Four-time Palaro swimmer Jerard Jacinto is looking forward to breaking his own record in the 100 and 200 backstroke events
and in the medley relay events where he is a member of the dreaded NCR quartet. A pretty lass from Bicolandia captured the 1st gold
for Region V, running barefooted to dash home alone in the 3000-meter run. She said she is more at ease in running without her
rubber shoes because they are “too heavy.” She is said to be a relative of former DOJ Secretary and Senator Leila De Lima. Fourth time
Palaro lawn tennister Glydel Marie Guevarra of the Bicol Vulcans is downing all her opponents one by one, her latest victim was
ARMM’s Fatima Manalas whom she easily dispatched, 8-0. Region 7’s vaunted elementary football team is making waves in the
football field and has not allowed any contender so far to score a point. Earlier, it blasted Mimaropa (4-0), Northern Mindanao (4-0)
and CALABARZON (7-0) in a superb display of defense and zone attack that left their opponents wondering what happened.

Defending champion NCR tasted its first gold through Adrian Samudio’s victory in the triple jump event, eclipsing the early
elimination of some of NCR’s boxers at Plaza Burgos, April 16 evening. Slowly but surely, NCR’s deep arsenal of top-caliber athletes is
amassing golds in table tennis with pingpong master Kheith Rhynne Cruz easily dispatching her opponents one by one. One of her
victims said: “She plays as if she comes from another planet!”

The boxing competitions also witnessed the bitter loss of R1AA’s Noel Ocampo via RSC (Referee Stopped Contest) from the
hands of his Eastern Visayan opponent who sent him kneeling to the canvas after absorbing a stinging right cross to the chest in the 1st
round. Obviously shining here are the boxers from Southern Tagalog and Mindanao regions with most of the Davaoeños advancing to
the quarterfinals. Indeed, Manny Pacquiao’s Mindanao-mates are showing him they are worthy successors. The Eastern Visayan
batters, dubbed as the “Golden Stingers,” are looking forward to dethroning NCR in secondary baseball after demolishing Cagayan
Valley (4-2) and Zamboanga Peninsula (9-1) in their initial games. The Cirilo Lao Complex in Vigan City, the softball competition site,
also saw early victories for NCR, Region I, Northern Mindanao and Davao Region with Regions VIII, ARMM and IV-B crashing down one
by one. Three penkak silat masters of international caliber are also here, obviously conditioning for their Thailand trip on April 23-May
2. They are Riena Encilay Enlar and Marie June Adriano of Region VII and Mark Jhoniel Cabindol of Region VI.

Indeed, there are many exciting games to watch for as the quarterfinal, semifinal and final matches slowly approach. The
country is also monitoring closely NCR’s promise to defend its perennial crown. Last year in Antique, NCR ranked 1st with 98 golds
followed by CALABARZON and Western Visayas with 41 and 38 gold medals respectively. Host Ilocos Sur and Region I ranked 13th in the
Antique Palaro with 7-12-21 gold-silver-bronze for a total of 40 medals, hoping that homecourt advantage and a longer training period
under national trainers would improve their overall standing. It is also looking forward to producing another Ana Marie Eugenio who
broke the 19-year old record in the 400-meter hurdles last year for elementary girls after recording 1:08.03.

Through the Palaro, the country is hoping to come out with athletes that will give the country its 1st Olympic gold with the
DepEd partnering with the Philippine Sports Commission to develop more skilled and disciplined athletes.

Will this Palaro eventually produce our first Olympic gold by 2020? The hopes are high.
Meanwhile, let’s roam around and enjoy the games.

5

“Sakali “Determination makes Moreover, Celeste added
mang one a winner” - Kent Brian that self-discipline, proper
manalo Celeste conditioning and mastering the
po ako, rules of the game indeed
iaalay ko A 4Ps’ grantee, Kent Brian contributed to his good and
ito sa Celeste, 16, was very humble as admirable performance. It means
pamilya he narrated his story behind his to say that an athlete does not
ko, sa success in the recent prestigious only know how to play but more
aking sports event, the 2017 Palarong so be garbed with good behavior
bayan sa Pambansa which was held in and character.
Anda, Antique on April, 2017.
Pangasinan Celeste looks up to
at sa Celeste was not born an Roderick Osia and Johan Caido
buong athlete but he was born to be a both from Anda, Pangasinan I,
Region dreamer. He dreamt of his townmates. The latter is
becoming a well-known player shining in 400 meter dash and is
I” but he did not know how. He currently a member of the
tried joining athletic events when Philippine Team presently
he was in the elementary but competing in Singapore.
was always a loser.
Raised and trained in Anda
Failing does not mean National High School, Celeste is
surrendering. Celeste kept on not blessed with a well-off
trying until he wonhis first gold family. Most of his finances are
medal in the Region I Athletic shouldered by Caridad, his
Association (RIAA) in 2016 grandmother. To earn some
which served as his visa joining amount to help the family, he
the Palarong Pambansa in serves as a part time mineral
Antique where he hooked second water delivery boy in his own
place in high jump secondary town during his free time since
boys. Being a sophomore, that his father earns a very little as
was already a great achievement security guard in Manila while
on his part as an amateur his mother manages the home.
athlete.
Grade 9 student, Celeste,
During the 2017 RIAA, aspires to bring home the bacon
Celeste, now a Grade 9 student, and when asked whom he will
recorded the highest leap in high offer his victory, “Sakali mang
jump which paved his way for manalo po ako, iaalay ko ito sa
the Palarong Pambansa for the pamilya ko, sa aking bayan sa
second time Anda, Pangasinan at sa buong
Region I”. (Richard S. Moreno)
He was smiling as he was
saying, “A jumping bed made of
hay made me leaped high.” Yes,
it’s true. He usually used hay
instead of foam in his trainings
since he was not capable of
buying such due to financial
constraints.

6

At a time when children of Daniel,ranked Philippine mention, he is blessed with the
his age are busy with their toys, #1 (under 14), has been rocking ceaseless support of Dasmarinas
Daniel Quizon at a young age of six international chess competitions in Mayor Elpidio Barzaga for his chess
has been enjoying playing and China, Thailand, Iran and Singapore. program which includes a chess
winning in chess competitions. He recently bagged 5 golds and 1 library and free laptops for them.
silver in the 2017 ASEAN age group
Daniel,who was aGrade 2 and 1 gold and 1 silver in the Asian Being a chess player is not
pupil then, first set foot in Palarong School Youth. easy, but to a kid like Daniel whose
determination, industry, faith and
Pambansa 2013 in Dumaguete While joining international photographic memory is luminous,
City but failed to win. He chess competitions might be a little he is truly on his way to his dream-
returned and became a bit costly, playing under the to be a
perennial winner, reaping astounding coaching of Grandmaster.
medals from Palarong International Grandmaster Roel (Liezl A.
Pambansa 2014 to present. Herana)
“I want to be the Abelgas, the wonder
next Grandmaster”, said kid Quizon’s
the young chess prodigy, journey to
now a Grade 7 student stardom is
of Dasmarinas smoothly
National High School sailing.
who is dreaming to Not to
be like his idol, Super
Grandmaster Wesley
So.

“I want to extend my contribution to the
society in the simplest way I can”, Ruel
humbly said.

Difficult circumstances confidence to stand for his right fisherman and a housewife, in a
come in our way, not to stop us, and maintain his self-esteem. sibling of four, he pictures
but to bring out our courage, himself to be an accountant
strength and even the best in us. He dauntlessly conqured someday. But for now, he is set
the perilous water and showed to defend his title and test his
This is especially true to the country that he is an athlete luster once more in the Palaro.
Ruel Jhong Villamil, a 16-year like any other when he captured He hopes to keep the crown with
old Para Swimmer of the gold medal in 50m. free the respect and positive
Zamboanga Del Norte who style, single below knee category prodding he gained from people
proved that disability will not in the 2017 Palarong Pambansa around him.
make one a lesser person, but a Paragames. He believes that
challenge to strive harder claim constant training, discipline, “I want to extend my
a significant place in the society. determination and the guidance contribution to the society in the
of his coach, Danilo Camado simplest way I can”, Ruel humbly
His resilience in the face of gave him the opportunity to take said.
adversity was tested many times the spotlight.
in school when he was often So let the games begin and
picked on and bullied due to his This achievement didn’t watch how this extraordinary
disability. But the unceasing stop him from dreaming more, athlete glides his way towards his
encouragement and love he instead, inspired him to envision second Palaro gold! (Flordelina F.
received from his family, teachers a bright future for him and his Lascota)
and friends boosted his family. Being the third son of a

7