By DEO DAME BEIGE SALIGUMBA
ILOILO City – Romy Junior G. Marquez of Agsanayan National High School (ANS) in Buenavista, Guimaras secured his third consecutive gold medal in the recent Western Visayas Regional Athletic Association (WVRAA) meet in San Jose, Antique, reinforcing his dominance in wushu.
Competing in the secondary boys’ 52kg Group A category, the 2023 Palarong Pambansa gold medalist emerged victorious at the Diosdado Macapagal Trade and Promotion Center in San Jose, Antique on March 6.
Marquez attributed his success to rigorous training and discipline.
“Focus on yourself and train hard,” he said in vernacular, advising young athletes aiming for excellence. “Discipline yourself so you can get gold.”
Guimaras’ wushu delegation further showcased its strength, earning multiple medals. John Lloyd G. Benagera, making his debut in the 45kg Group B boys’ category, secured gold, while Diolyn Kaye A. Eñano, a former Palarong Pambansa competitor, won gold in the 42kg Group B girls’ category.
The team also brought home additional honors:
* Secondary Boys – 2 silver, 2 bronze
* Secondary Girls – 1 silver, 1 bronze
The athletes’ performance was guided by coaches Rosenie G. Rendoque for the girls’ division and Blessie V. Juplo for the boys’ division.
Rendoque revealed that the team underwent intensive training, with the girls staying at her home for three years and the boys for two.
She credited a former member of the Wushu Philippine team for providing technical insights, particularly in maintaining weight for competition eligibility.
The team also acknowledged the support of Guimaras Provincial Sports Coordinator Abraham Balibalos, whose assistance has been instrumental in their development./PN
