PUERTO PRINCESA CITY – Archery, karate and pencak silat added to Team Philippines’ medal haul in the 11th BIMP-EAGA (Brunei Darussalam-Indonesia-Malaysia-Philippines-East ASEAN Growth Area) Friendship Games here Wednesday.
Jamie Danielle Nirza, 18, struck gold in advance women’s individual kata, earning 36.5 points to edge Malaysia A’s Anisa Aira Nur (36.2).
“I worked hard for this one. I’m glad I was able to perform the way I wanted,” the first-year nursing student from Davao Region’s Jose Maria College said. “I feel honored and blessed to bring something that our country can be proud of.”
In archery, Team PH-E’s (Puerto Princesa) Nathaniel Carlos topped the men’s individual recurve Team B’s (General Santos City/Sarangani province) Yvonne Forcado ruled the women’s class.
Meanwhile, swimmers Philip Sahagun and Quendy Fernandez snared more victories to raise their total to five apiece.
This city’s Fernandez won in the girls’ 200m backstroke while Davao Region’s Philip Sahagun was fastest in the boys’ 200m backstroke and was part of the victorious 4x100m medley relay team.
Fernandez, 19, also has two silver medals from the girls’ 4x100m freestyle and 4x100m medley relays.
“Goal ko talaga na mapasama sa (It’s my goal to make the) national team and represent our country sa (in) international competitions,” Sahagun, 21, said.
Pencak silat contributed gold medals from Team PH-C’s (Bangsamoro) Erika Said in the artistic and solo creative; Team PH-A’s Trishna Marangon and Honey Mae Agravante in artistic double senior female event; and Team PH-A’s Mark Loyd Diaz and Clark Joseph Navarro in artistic double male seniors.
In athletics, Milchay Moreno led Team PH-A in the 4x400m women’s relay in 4:09.51 against Malaysia (4:19.73) and Team PH-D (Palawan; 4:34.16).
Kate Duffy Gel McDowell, part of the relay team, likewise won in the girls’ 1,500m run.
Badminton got two more golds from Team PH-A’s Klea Montanez (women’s singles) and Malcolm Mag-Aso/Andre Alexis Macalalag (mixed doubles).
The overall standings will be determined Thursday before the closing ceremonies at Balayong Basketball Covered Court.
Tourism Secretary Christina Frasco, Mindanao Development Authority Secretary Leo Tereso Magno, Mayor Lucilo Bayron, and Philippine Sports Commission Chair Richard Bachmann and Commissioner Walter Torres will grace the final event of the meet.(PNA)
