PH caps Asian Aero campaign with 5-medal haul

Raphael Gabriele Lloren

he Philippine Gymnasts unfurled its dazzling grandeur to capture one gold, one silver, and three bronze medals at the 10th Aerobic Gymnastics Asian Championship tilt, at Tagaytay CT Velodrome, Aug. 4-7.

In the youth mixed-pair, Rhimel Daniel Cabides and Antonette Amante (17.800) seized the Philippines’ sole gold medal, while GenSan natives Rhys Enoch Balmayor and John Mikaela Ladaran claimed bronze.

In the senior dance category, the host country showed its flair by dishing out ethnic-inspired routines to an upbeat budots beat to secure the silver medal with 16.600 points.

Arcanio Cadlos and Charmaine Dolar (18.900) settled for bronze as Vietnam’s globally ranked pairs swept the top two spots in the senior mixed category, while the youth squad chipped in another bronze in Aero dance (16.700) to complete the five-medal harvest.

Adding a unique local touch, Gymnastics Association of the Philippines president Cynthia Carrion announced that winners will receive custom medals bearing the famed Taal Lake and Volcano symbol.

Nearly 400 athletes and delegates representing 12 countries competed in the three-day Asian Gymnastics Union sanctioned-event, presented by the Philippines Sports Commission and GAP.

PSC Chairman Patrick Gregorio highlighted the tournament’s dual role in sports development and local tourism.

“Our hosting of the 10th Aerobic Gymnastics Asian Championships was a complete package: our athletes won medals while we promoted sports tourism. That is the perfect strategy of the Philippine Sports Commission,” Gregorio stressed.

He also said that selecting Tagaytay City as the site of the 10th edition of Aero Gymnastics Asian Championships was a “no-brainer,” citing its picturesque scenery, tourist attractions, and easy-access food hubs.

Last held in Hanoi, Vietnam, the biennial tournament concluded with another successful outing for the host nation.