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By Frank Calapre, Correspondent
PUERTO Princesa: Michael Calayo of Central Luzon
and Sharmaine Joy Bucaling of Western Visayas bagged the first two
gold medals in athletics Monday at the start of hostilities in the
2008 Palarong Pambansa.
Calayo, 17, submitted a best jump of 6.98 meters
to win the boys’ secondary long jump competition at the sprawling
Ramon V. Mitra Jr. Sports Complex here.
The son of DILG driver in Victoria, Tarlac, also
won the gold medal during last year’s meet in Koronadal City.
Although his effort was way short of the meet
record of 7.15 registered by Paolo Martinez of the then powerhouse
Southern Tagalog Regional Athletic Association in 2002, it was a big
improvement from the 6.60 meters he recorded last year.
“I am more prepared this year than last year.
It’s really my desire to make it to the national training pool and
I hope I can be considered now,” said the Calayo.
Far Eastern University is reportedly offering
Calayo a college athletic scholarship. He’s looking to take up
Bachelor of Science in Physical Education.
Ariel Magayon of Calabarzon finished second at
6.65 while Ramjay Carado of Region XI finished third with a leap of
6.47.
After two frustrating tries the last two years,
Bucaling finally brought home the gold in the girls’ secondary
javelin throw with a heave of 33.95 meters.
The daughter of a carpenter from Moroboro,
Dingle finished second on her first try in Naga City two years ago
and third last year.
“I hope to be considered to the RP training
pool so that I can pursue my college education. I wanted to study
Marine Engineering so that I can go abroad and help my parents,”
said Bucaling.
Erlinda Lavadia, holder of the RP record of
49.84, sees a big potential in Bucaling.
“She will be better given the proper training.
I hope Sharmaine will be given a chance to be admitted in the
national developmental pool,” said the 56-year-old retired police
superintendent and current athletics consultant of Ilocos Norte.
Finishing a close second to Bucaling was
Richelda Pepito of host Mimaropa at 32.09 followed by Jancell
Candelaria of Bicol at 31.86.
Meanwhile, the highly touted NCR basketball
squad featuring 10 players from NCAA champion San Sebastian Staglets
poured its might in the final half en route to a 91-39 thrashing of
ARMM while Davao escaped with a 79-68 win over Caraga at the RVMJ
open court.
Cagayan Valley blanked lowly Eastern Visayas,
7-0, in the secondary football also at the RVMJ field.
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