Manila dominates Batang Pinoy

MANILA, Philippines - Manila ruled athletics to beat Quezon City for the overall championship in the National Capital Region (NCR) eliminations of the Batang Pinoy at the University of Makati yesterday.

The Big City tracksters, led by triple gold medalist Garry Santiago, took 29 out of 36 golds disputed on track for a total medal output of 50 golds, 57 silvers and 32 bronzes in the event organized by the Philippine Sports Commission with Smart Sports and British Council as major sponsors.

Quezon City dominated swimming, winning 30 of 44 events as it pooled a 44-32-16 for second, while Makati City finished third among 16 participating local government units (LGUs) with a 10-14-28 haul in the four-day event backed by Milo, Jollibee, Summit Mineral Water, Negros Navigation, Aboitiz, Kids 3 Food Supplement, RELIV Now for Kids and Growee Multivitamins.

The 15-year-old Santiago keyed Manila’s romp with victories in the boys discus throw (35.29m), javelin (35.29m) and shot put (13.99m) in the opening day Tuesday while younger sister Stephanie ruled the girls discus (25.32m) and shot put (8.59m) events.

John Robertson Madayag and Jacob Nabong followed suit as they won two gold medals each in the boys 400m hurdles (1:01.0), 400m run (59.14), 1,500m (4:10.12) and 3,000m run (9:57.00), respectively, at the close of athletics event late Thursday.

Other Manila winners were Vincent Nabing in 800m run (2.07.9 sec), Kate Jerica Ablong in girls 200m dash (27.00) and Swedish relay (2:31.3), Janssen Ganveda in boys 200m dash (23.9), Roone Michelle Timkang in girls 800m run (2:31.1) and 400m (1:04.05), Alexa Lising in girls high jump (1.40m), Mark Villaster in boys high jump (1.60m), Bianca Alefante in triple jump girls (9.86m), Steve Miguel in boys triple jump (11.76m).

Paula Mae Bardaje, 12, a freshman at Sta. Elena High, shared the limelight as she won three of six gold medals for Marikina City, ruling the girls 100m hurdles (14.12), 400m hurdles (1:14.32) and long jump (20.46m).

Bardaje, who won the gold in the same events as a six grader in Palarong Pambansa in Zamboanga City last summer and under the scholarship program of Marikina City Mayor Del de Guzman, dedicated her feat to her parents who make a living as operator of a computer shops.

“I dedicated my gold medals to my parents and my teachers. Also I would like to extend my gratitude to Mayor Del de Guzman and to my coach who guides me and teach me how to be a good athlete,” said Bardaje.

At the Makati Aquatics Center, the Quezon City tankers completed their domination with eight swimmers winnng at least three golds, making them the favorites for the national finals slated Dec. 10-13 in Naga City.

Jeric Santos and Baron Ong won five gold medals each in the boys category, while Thea Caluma matched her teammates feats with victories in the girls 50m free, 50m fly, 100m free, 100m fly and 200m medley.