Liloan’s JM Abarca rules Converge skate competition
CEBU, Philippines — Liloan’s John Michael “JM” Abarca pulled off a stunning upset over national team mainstay Motic Panugalinog to rule the men’s open street battle of the inaugural Converge Xponential Tour Skate Competition at the Talisay City Skatepark over the weekend.
Abandoned by his parents at an early age and raised by his grandmother, the 17-year-old Abarca found solace in skateboarding.
With no skate park in his hometown, Abarca honed his skills across various skate spots in Cebu - a grind that is now paying off.
Before the finals, Olympic skateboarder and Converge SuperFiberX ambassador Margielyn Didal said Abarca has the potential to make it big, citing not only his skills but also his attitude.
True enough, Abarca delivered, daring to showcase more technical tricks against Panugalinog, who played it safe this time.
Abarca finished with 6.85 points, edging Panugalinog’s 6.70. Lapu-Lapu City’s Trunks Manalo settled for third with 6.40.
In the women’s division, Lapu-Lapu’s Sarah Laurente emerged as champion with 3.68 points. Talisay secured a 2-3 finish courtesy of Queenxy Deiparine (3.19) and Kate Benolirao (2.56).
Carcar’s Mark Joseph Langbid topped the street skate class B, followed by Talisay’s Harck Garcia and Consolacion’s John Daniel Lacaron.
On the other hand, San Fernando skaters dominated the surf skate event with Eunice Manugas coming out the fastest in the women’s division and Lapu-Lapu’s Salome Casas and Naga’s Maeghan Villanueva placing second and third, respectively.
In the men’s side, San Fernando posted a 1-2 finish through Amie John Sasil and John Louie Candare. Talisay’s Odilio Hermosa finished third. — (FREEMAN)
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