2008 Cebu Provincial Meet: Minglanilla's Rabia bags first gold

CEBU - It was a great day for Minglanilla as it had the most number of wins in the first day of hostilities in the 2008 Provincial Meet yesterday at the Liloan Central School.

Minglanilla’s Jhaye Rabia bagged the gold in elementary boys shotput event after heaving the iron ball to a distance of 7.51 meters. Christofferson Mantuhac of Balamban got the silver with a distance of 7.3m, while John Michael Emia of Ginatilan settled for bronze in 6.56m.

The 12-year-old Rabia only ranked seventh last year, but due to his persistence and determination, he made it to the top this time around.

“Even though we lacked facilities for our practice, his attitude and his willingness to improve led him to get the gold medal this year,” said Rabia’s coach Claire Paraiso,

Rabia shoots for more gilts today as he sees action in discus and javelin throw events.

In the secondary division, Daanbantayan’s Idelfonso Pino transformed his silver medal last year into a golden finish this time with a distance of 9.30m.

The second and third spots were occupied by Edmarhino Layese of Bantayan (9.29) and Leo Busmeon of Santander 8.10m, respectively.

In the distaff side, Blyth Ann Alvarado of Sibonga snatched the gold medal in the elementary division with 6.57m.

Alvarado overpowered Liloan’s Melissa Caya, who only got 6.31m, while Balamban’s Gia Bucay placed third with 6.19m.

In elementary basketball, Minglanilla swept its first two assignments to shore up its championship campaign. The Minglanilla cagers trounced Balamban, 70-34, and then escaped with a 49-44 victory over Cordova.

In the secondary action, Alegria dominated San Fernando at 91-82.

In elementary boys volleyball, co-host Compostela registered two wins after silencing Oslob and Liloan.

Moalboal also had a good start after defeating Tuburan, but failed to sustain its momentum as it bowed to Bantayan in its next game.

Daanbantayan, on the other hand, fell at the hands of Dumanjug while Pilar defeated Cordova. (THE FREEMAN)