CEBU, Philippines – Team Cebu City Niños had a successful comeback in Iloilo after emerging as first runner-up in the 8th Iloilo Dinagyang Invitational Age-Group Swimfest at the Iloilo City Sports Complex.
Aside from hauling medals, the wards of coach Rolando Alvarez of the Cebu Blue Marlins also came out as the most bemedalled and outstanding swimmers in their respective classes.
The ever reliable Michael Ichiro Kong of the University of Cebu dominated the 15-17 age group with five golds and three silvers, while another UC varsity Dennis Jay Rosale reigned supreme in the men's 18-under category with four golds, three silvers and two bronzes.
The youthful Zurielle Kenzie Galo of UCLM was the best in the 6-under class after taking away four golds and a silver, while Quintin Zee Sabalande of Don Bosco Technology Center topped the boys side after sweeping five golds.
Bright Academy's Isabella Marie Diehl shone brightly in the girls 7-8 division with two golds and two silvers, while Tabunok Central School's Mike Gabrielle de la Serna ruled in the boys side with four golds and a silver.
Several other bets contributed to TCC's success. UC's Marlon Galo, Rafael Dacaldacal and Shane Allyne Pareja handed over one silver and one bronze each, Jobert Indaya had one silver, Romylin Nina Ignacio had seven silvers and two bronzes, and Karen Mae Indayahad two silvers and two bronzes.
Bright Academy's Jehaosh Reign Garrido added one silver and three bronzes and Justine Reign Garrido had two silvers as Mary Pauline Indaya of Labangon Elementary School got two bronzes. Maria Michaela Recilla of Dominican School Consolacion grabbed one silver and one bronze, Mai Kawabata of Maria Montessori International School carted away two golds and two bronzes, while Johann Christian Abogadie of the Infant Jesus Academy chipped in one gold and one bronze. The Niños also nailed a pair of gilts and four silvers in relay event. (FREEMAN)