BAGUIO, Philippines – Swimmer Jenkins Lorenzo Labao churned out four gold medals, leading the host city’s dominant showing at the start of the Batang Pinoy 2011 Central and Northern Luzon qualifying stage at the Athletic Bowl here.
Labao, a 13-year-old freshman at the University of Baguio, reigned supreme in the boys’ 200m freestyle, 100m backstroke, 200m medley relay and 50m butterfly.
Filipino-American Nathania Rockwood of La Union and Patricia Jem Pangan of Angeles City likewise sparkled with three gold medals each.
Rockwood ruled the girls 12-13 100m breast, 50m fly and 50m free while Pangan topped the girls 14-15 years old 200m relay, 50m free and 50m fly.
The Batang Pinoy, designed for athletes 15 years old and below, is run by the Philippine Sports Commission in partnership with Smart, Maynilad and Summit Mineral Drinking Water.
Dexter John Lacuna, brother of 2011 Southeast Asian Games silver medalist Jessie King Lacuna, emerged as a double-gold winner, topping the boys 14-15 200m freestyle and 100m backstroke.
Baguio City copped five gold medals in judo courtesy of Floyd Derek Rillera in the 42kg, Rainer Zaparita in the 46kg, Jerald Andre Kim in the 55kg, Htai Andro Kienh Cudao in the 60kg and Derek Clarence Dino in the 66kg.
The Baguio wrestlers were not to be outdone with David Caoili (38 kg), Elizur Cayat (42 kg), Val Kindapan (47 kg), Jerald Bosicao (53 kg), Cristendon Martin (59 kg), Roselyn Malbja (girls 44kg) and Minalyn Foy-os (girls 52 kg) ruling their respective categories.
The hosts had their share of victories in athletics, gaining top honors courtesy of Ike Kevin Yagin in the boys 1,500m run, Agustina Anganayon in the girls 1,500m run, Reagan Contic in the boys javelin throw, Stefanny Florez in the 1,600 girls walk, Jasmine Felix in the girls javelin throw and the 4x100m and 4x400m relay for boys and girls.
Baguio City quickly broke away in the medal tally of the games supported by Milo, Jollibee, The British Council, Standard Insurance, Negros Navigation-Super Ferry, Kids 3 Food Supplement at RELIV Now for Kids with 44 golds.