Arino 4-gold romp fuels Negros blitz

DUMAGUETE – Dhessa Mae Arino captured four gold medals in badminton as Negros Occidental served notice of its title bid in the Visayas Qualifying Games of the third Philippine Olympic Festival at the Lamberto Macias Sports and Cultural Center here yesterday.

Arino teamed up with Robert Alovan in the 12-under mixed doubles in smashing Bill Gallero and Angel Rose Tiad, 21-7, 21-14, to cap her four-gold splurge in this five-day event aimed at discovering future RP team members.

Arino took the 12-under singles plum, teamed up with April Ann Bibiano to bag the doubles crowns in the 12-under and 14-under divisions before pairing with Robert Alovan to beat Bill Gallero and Angel Rose Tiad, 21-7, 21-14, for the 12-under mixed doubles title.

Arino’s sterling effort underscored Negros Occidental’s opening day blitz as it took 18 of the 20 gold medals staked in badminton.

Meanwhile, host Negros Oriental Gov. Emilio Macias, Dumaguete Mayor Agustin Perdices and Philippine Olympic Festival (POF) chair Robert Aventajado officially ushered in the five-day meet aimed at discovering talents to be developed to become members of the national pool.

Beijing-bound archer Mark Javier graced the ceremonial torch relay before some thousands of spectators, including 1,500 athletes, officials and delegation members from participating local governments like Aklan, Antique, Bohol, Cebu, Cebu City, Guimaras, Northern Samar and Bacolod City.

“We’re honored to host this event and hope we can discover some talents here,” said Macias.

The host province won two golds courtesy of Judea Turing in the 14-under and Charisse Isaw in the ladies’ Open section.

Meanwhile, the chase for top honors in athletics begins today at the newly built main complex in this meet backed by Globe, Philippine Gaming Corp., Summit Drinking Water, AMA Computer U, The Philippine STAR and Creativity Lounge.

Other badminton winners were Louie John Medina (12-under), Robert Alovan (14-under), Christian Crisostomo and Christian Pavia (16-under doubles), Merry Joy Fernandez (16-under), Ernesto Lavao (men’s open), Alem Palmares and Medina (12-under doubles).

Medina and Alovan (14-under doubles), Aljous Alovan and Rogel Manangasi (16-under doubles), Fernandez and Nikki Servado (16-under doubles), Lavao and Salvador Diesmo (men’s open doubles), Bibiano and Palmares (12-under mixed), Crisostomo and Servado (16-under mixed) and Diesmo and Sheila Ledesma (open mixed).