Student-athletes from Western Visayas concluded the 2019 Batang Pinoy National Finals with dominating performances in Puerto Princesa City, Palawan on Sept. 2.
In table tennis, Ilonggo paddler Althea Rose Martirez of Central Philippine University ruled the team after winning three medals in the girls singles individual event and doubles individual event. Her teammates Peebee Aguirre added a bronze medal in the girls individual event, while Nikhel Nowlakha and Jeff Jimenea snatched bronze medals in the boys individual event.
Bacolod City-based karatekas also took home 12 medals, including a gold medal. Representing the team, Paulaine Miyu Kalaw got the lone gold medal winner. She topped the girls 8-9 years old advance kata of the karateka event, while Rik Simon Macaya had a silver in boys 12-13 kumite.
Shifra Medina settled for three bronze medals in the 14-15 years old intermediate kata, team kata and kumite before ruling the bronze in girls team synchronized kata with Nichole Margarette Piamonte and Adah Keira Gorriceta.
In ball games, Bacolod Tay Tung High School (BTTHS) received the bronze medal after winning the secondary boys’ basketball against Mandaue, 77-66.
Thomas Pillado paced the Negros-based club with 24 points. Teammate Nathan Jundana added 16 markers while Heinz Gabriel Demisana reached a double-double, 12 points and 12 rebounds.
The Dexter Dy-mentored Thunderbolts failed to reach the championship round after suffering a 79-66 defeat in the hands of eventual champions Dasmariñas, Cavite during the semifinal round.
The Thunderbolts team were comprised of Rafael Albert Ledesma, Mike Lebron Estelloso, Christian James Juguan, Adrielle Vince Binguan, Johanan Raymond Castiller, Dylan Benedict Despi, Marvin delos Santos, and Joshua Farahmir Dignadice.IMT
