Davide bags 8 swim golds

MANILA, Philippines - Rising star Hilario Davide IV made waves anew with an eight gold medal haul that earned him the most outstanding award in the “Pasiklaban 2009” swimming competition Sunday at the Rizal Memorial pool.

Davide, nine-year-old fourth grader at Southridge and grandson of the former Supreme Court chief justice, topped the 9-10 age group with gold medal wins in the 200m, 100m and 50m freestyle, 100m and 50m backstroke, 100m and 50m butterfly and 200m individual medley.

The competition was sanctioned by the Aquatic Sports Association of the Philippines under lawyer Ma. Luz Arzaga-Mendoza, who awarded the medals to the top performers.

Other outstanding swimmers were Sean Terence Zamora (7-8 years), Duncan Vinluan (11-12), UST swimmer Gian Ong Berino (13-14), US-trained Patricia Yam (15-17) and breaststroker Denjylie Cordero (15-17).

The competition was organized by lawyer Jane Ong, head of the Save PASA (Philippine Amateur Swimming Association) Movement.

The second ASAP swim meet will be held Aug. 29-30 at Rizal Memorial pool. Former national swimmer Susan Papa, organizer of the event, said entry fees will be waived.