Sanchez pulls out of Women's 100m back, focuses on specialty event

c/o POC/PSC Media

It’s all about the 50m dash! The Philippine coaching staff officially scratched Olympian Kayla Sanchez from the Women's 100m Backstroke, giving her a Did Not Start (DNS) to prioritize her physical recovery for her strongest event.

National coach Ryan Arabejo revealed that they are controlling all the variables they can to give Sanchez the absolute best shot at gold.

"Dun tayo sa kaya nating ma-control. So, if we can rest Kayla and prepare her better for tomorrow’s 50 meters where she has a very, very good chance of winning a gold, we gave her a rest," he shared, noting she was also pulled from relay duties to maximize her rest.

Reflecting on her incredibly close 4th-place finish in the 100m Free, Arabejo praised her aggressiveness: "She took the risk and went harder in the beginning... naunahan lang sa very last stroke, so we move on to the next."

Now fully rested, Sanchez is gearing up for a fiery 50m showdown. 

"Ang 50, anything goes dyan... It’s anybody’s game," Arabejo warned.

Lacuna makes new waves in UAAP Swimming

c/o UAAP

Jessie Lacuna made his UAAP return not in the familiar blue and white of Ateneo, but in a crisp green shirt.

The two-time Olympian, a cornerstone of Ateneo’s swimming dynasty that dominated UAAP Seasons 77 to 81 and began its run of 10 straight championships, collected four MVP titles and 35 gold medals during his collegiate career.

After two decades of elevating Philippine swimming—performing on the sport’s brightest stages, inspiring generations, and setting the standard as the fastest Filipino male swimmer—Lacuna has stepped into a new role: assistant coach of De La Salle University.

Despite the storied rivalry between Ateneo and La Salle across nearly every sport, Lacuna embraces the challenge.

“Masaya ako na ma-experience ang isang bagong environment,” Lacuna shared.

“Ateneo, doon ako unang nakilala as a swimmer. Pero after many years, na-realize ko na I want to help the swimming community as a whole.”

The 31-year-old Bulakeño added that the transition was smooth, with no lingering tension from his Ateneo days.

“In all honesty, bago ako pumasok, I really took time to think about it. But it’s all about the challenge and it’s all about the sport,” he said.

“‘Nong nalaman ng nasa blue side, marami ring nag-congratulate. Walang bad blood.”

Once the fastest Filipino in the pool, Lacuna competed in the 2012 and 2016 Olympics, falling short of medals in the 200- and 400-meter freestyle heats.

Yet his swimming résumé speaks volumes: 51 gold medals overall, including 35 in national competitions and 16 internationally.

Lacuna’s vision for La Salle is clear.

The men’s team will center around Peter Dean, Alexander Chu, and Kenzie Dumanglas, while the women’s squad will be anchored by Jie Talosig, Ysabella Alcazar, and Dianna Cruz for years to come.

During the competition, the Green Tankers finished second with 294 points while the Lady Tankers placed third with 222.

Having carried the torch for Philippine swimming, Lacuna is determined to instill confidence and inspire the next generation.

“Number one is boosting their confidence,” Lacuna said.

“Alam natin na Ateneo ang powerhouse sa swimming ngayon. Pero gusto kong dalhin dito ‘yong environment na kinalakihan ko — yung spirit and belief na may opportunities beyond UAAP.”

Women's Swimming title up for grabs heading into final session

c/o UAAP

The New Clark City Aquatics Center here is set to host the final day of hostilities in the UAAP Season 87 Swimming Championship where a showdown looms in the women's division as defending champions University of the Philippines look to catch up to the leaders, Ateneo de Manila University, who hold a slim 25-point margin.

Both the Fighting Maroons and the Blue Eagles have placed the necessary pieces to win the championship as the former squad has 12 qualifiers across four events, while the latter has 10 after the morning preliminaries.

UP will rely on team captain Camille Buico (women's 200-meter butterfly and 50-meter freestyle) and reigning MVP Quendy Fernandez (women's 50-meter backstroke and 50-meter freestyle) to bring them to the top, while Ateneo has MVP race leader Mishka Sy (women's 200-meter butterfly) and Sofia Annika Isip (women's 200-meter breaststroke) to count on to bring home the championship.

In the men's division, rookie Miguel Barreto secured his seventh gold medal in as many events in the men's 1500-meter freestyle to all but seal the rookie-of-the-year and MVP awards for himself, and the championship for his team.

The Bulacan native won a close battle against last year's winner, Alexander Chu of DLSU (16:43.79), by clocking 16:43.35. Juan Marco Daos took the bronze in 16:58.10.

Ateneo enjoys a commanding lead with 412 points, ahead of DLSU (232 points) and UP (171 points).

Similarly, University of Santo Tomas is in complete control of the boys' and girls' divisions as they look set to claim their fourth straight double championship at the high school level.

UST's MVP favorite Aishel Evangelista comfortably collected his fifth gold medal in the boys' 1500-meter freestyle as he finished in 17:25.17, ahead of teammate Aldrich Balderas (18:14.30) and Ateneo's Karl Friedrich Cziomer (18:40.30).

Likewise, Junior Tigershark Pam Santor qualified in the girls' 200-meter breaststroke and 200-meter butterfly to make a case for MVP in the afternoon finals as her team looks to formalize their championship.

c/o UAAP

Over at the Athletics Stadium, Far Eastern University’s Ernie Calipay soared to a record-breaking feat in the men’s high jump, taking the spotlight on the fourth day’s morning session of the Athletics Championships.

The 24-year-old national athlete broke his previous UAAP record of 2.05 meters on November 24, 2023, twice this morning.

He set the bar to 2.06 meters before reaching 2.10 meters and cleared it on his third try.

“Parang kanina pa lang, habang nagwa-warm up ako, iniisip ko na parang mabe-break ko ‘yung record kasi kundisyon ako lagi. Sa training naman, sabi ni coach, kumbaga sa training, petiks-petiks. Kumbaga check mark, basic skills lang, at ‘yung approach lang kinukuha namin,” said the Mongolbongol National High School product.

National University’s Ryan Cacho (1.92m) and University of the East’s Rainier Caranto (1.85m) finished second and third.

John Romero Celestino of University Santo Tomas likewise reset the league mark in the 400-meter hurdles with 52.77 seconds, smashing FEU’s Clinton Bautista’s 52.81 seconds on February 11, 2017.

Reigning MVP and De La Salle University’s Bernalyn Bejoy topped the women’s 400-meter hurdles with 1:01.98 ahead of the Finals later this afternoon.

In the high school division, University of the East standouts Jeralyn Rodriguez and Jazen Araño also set new league standards.

Rodriguez lowered the girls’ 400-meter hurdles record of former UE standout Ella Therese Sirilan (1.05.11) established on February 11, 2017, with a new mark of 1:03.22.

Araño, on her part, threw 39.66 meters in the girls’ hammer throw to obliterate her previous mark of 34.71 registered on November 22, 2023.

The Swimming Championships’ final session and the resumption of Athletics Championships’ Day 4 are underway as of publishing.

Ateneo maintains lead in early penultimate swimming action

c/o UAAP

Rookies Ivo Enot and Francis Espiritu dished out record-breaking performances as the Davao natives helped Ateneo de Manila University continue to assert its mastery in the men’s division of the UAAP Season 87 Swimming Championships on Tuesday at the New Clark City Aquatics Center here.

Enot powered through a 58.59-second finish in the men’s 100-meter backstroke, to put himself in the position to clinch the gold later in the afternoon.

The Season 85 Boys’ MVP smashed the old record of 59.27 seconds held by De La Salle University’s Steven Ho which was set back on November 26, 2022.

“Breaking a record in my rookie year is such an amazing feeling. Well, it was kind of expected… to break the record since 59.27 lang yung record, and my personal best was 58.82. But again, it was such an amazing feeling kasi this is UAAP; and seeing everyone cheering for me after I touched the wall,” said the 19-year-old upstart. 

On the other hand, Espiritu, a product of Ateneo de Davao, continued a dream start for the Blue Eagles with a 1:05.46 finish in the preliminary round of the men’s 100-meter breaststroke. 

The 20-year-old Davaoeno shaved off the standing record of 1:05.56 by Alberto Batungbacal, also from Ateneo. Batungbacal’s record was set on October 14, 2017.

In the women’s division, noticeably absent from her events was De La Salle rookie Mikaela Talosig who had been leading her team the last two days, accounting for 50 of her team’s division-leading 155 points. 

Talosig was a no-show in the women’s 100-meter backstroke and the 400-meter individual medley despite topping the women’s 200-meter freestyle during the morning preliminaries.

Her absence leaves the door open for University of the Philippines and Ateneo de Manila University to capitalize on the rare opportunity to take the lead from De La Salle in the afternoon finals at 3:00 pm.

In the high school division, University of Santo Tomas continues its smooth-sailing ride to a four-peat double in the boys’ and girls’ divisions.

Over at the Athletics Stadium here, another new mark was set continuing the three-day streak of record-breaking results on the track.

University of Santo Tomas’ Azeneth Serat made a racewalk double after setting a new-record finish of 15:27.96 in the women’s 3,000 meters, which lowered UP’s Sally Campus’ 15:34.73 which was set on November 24, 2023. Serat finished way ahead of Fighting Maroons Juliana Talaro (15:44.88) and Julianne Bayola (16:13.82).

Nonetheless, Far Eastern University pulled away from the pack after a 1-2 finish in the women’s 1,500 meters with Susan Ramadan (4:41.39) and Nicole Diloy (4:42.66). National University’s Jessa Mae Roda finished third with 4:44.19.

The Lady Tamaraws collected 232.5 points as of the morning, 75.5 ahead of the UST Female Tracksters’ 157.

The Fighting Maroons continue to add to their lead on the men’s side which now stands at 165 points against the Male Tracksters with 117.

UP’s Clint Niño Neri also became a double gold medalist with a massive 14.94 meters in the triple jump. Teammate Ranier Sobrepeña and Adamson University’s Kent Francis Jardin ended second and third with 14.82 and 14.78 meters, respectively.

FEU finally got its breakthrough gold in the men’s division following the javelin throw title courtesy of Joemarie Lazaro with 56.20 meters. UP’s Arthur Alintog bagged the silver with 55.74 meters, while UST’s John Allen Butiong with 55.60 meters.

The resumption of the third day of competitions in both swimming and athletics championships are ongoing as of posting time.

Tigersharks retain UAAP HS Swimming lead

c/o UAAP

UAAP Season 87 High School Swimming Tally (Points – Gold-Silver-Bronze) as of Day 2

Boys'

UST - 331 (9-7-3)

Ateneo - 113 (1-3-2)

UPIS - 52 (0-0-4)

DLSZ - 29 (0-0-1)

Girls'

UST - 242 (7-2-4)

Ateneo - 118 (2-3-1)

UPIS - 103 (1-2-3)

DLSZ - 52 (0-3-1)

University of Santo Tomas continued its dominance in the pool as both the boys' and girls' teams extended their commanding leads on Day 2 of the UAAP Season 87 Swimming Championships at the New Clark City Aquatics Center in Capas, Tarlac on Monday.

The Junior Tigersharks delivered a stellar performance, capturing four gold medals each in the five events contested by both divisions. The boys' team added four silvers and three bronzes to their haul, while the girls' team collected two silvers and two bronzes.

At the midway point, the standings reflect UST's supremacy, with both squads amassing more than double the points of their nearest competitors.

In the boys' division, UST leads with an imposing 331 points, leaving Ateneo de Manila University (113) and University of the Philippines (52) trailing far behind.

Ateneo's Miguel Martinez managed to steal a rare victory in the 50-meter breaststroke, clocking 30.45 seconds to edge out UST's Francis Ebcas (31.16) and Joaquin Mirasol (31.40).

Despite the upset, UST dominated the rest of the day's events with a series of podium sweeps.

In the 400-meter freestyle, Aishel Evangelista delivered a gold-winning time of 4:20.12, followed by teammates Aldrich Balderas (4:29.16) and CJ Valenzuela (4:29.36).

Similarly, Kristoff David led a 1-2-3 finish in the 200-meter backstroke with a time of 2:14.44, trailed by Julian De Kam (2:18.09) and Yuri Acidre (2:19.54).

Jabrielle Delizo claimed his second gold of the tournament in the 100-meter butterfly, clocking 59.15 seconds, just ahead of Valenzuela (59.69) and UP’s Kevin Chan (59.91).

The boys' 4x100-meter freestyle relay was a showcase of UST's dominance. The team of David, Acidre, Delizo, and Timothy Capulong smashed the UAAP record with a time of 3:42.49, leaving Ateneo (4:04.29) and De La Salle Zobel (4:11.16) far behind.

Evangelista's exceptional performance places him atop the Most Valuable Player standings with 50 points, making him the clear favorite for the award.

UST's girls' team leads with 242 points, ahead of Ateneo (118) and UP (103), who are locked in a battle for second place.

Ateneo's Liaa Margarette Amoguis earned the lone gold medal that escaped UST, winning the 400-meter freestyle in 4:46.49, narrowly beating UST's Kristine Uy (4:47.54) and UP’s Liv Abigail Florendo (4:49.99).

Uy rebounded in the 200-meter backstroke, securing gold in 2:31.52, ahead of De La Salle Zobel's Zia Ranjo (2:31.68) and UST's Ishaelle Villa (2:32.10).

The Tigersharks swept the 50-meter breaststroke, with Clara Delos Santos taking gold in 34.73 seconds, followed by teammates Gerice Oyaman (36.27), Rhetz Andaya (36.34), and Sealtiel Cherrie Daiz II (36.41).

Pam Santor kept UST’s momentum going with a commanding win in the 100-meter butterfly, finishing in 1:04.87. UP's Aubrey Tom (1:07.22) and DLSZ's Ysabela Alcazar (1:07.56) completed the podium.

The girls' 4x100-meter freestyle relay team of Juliana Lagula, Laureen Sealtiel Daiz, Delos Santos, and Cherrie Daiz II claimed gold in 4:21.40.

Wide Open in Girls' MVP Race

Unlike the boys' division, the girls' MVP race remains tight. Ateneo’s Amoguis leads with 45 points, followed closely by UST's Uy (43 points) and UP's Tom (32 points).

Santor, currently fourth with 36 points, remains a strong contender with four events remaining compared to her rivals' three.

Day 3 of the UAAP Season 87 Swimming Championships resumes Tuesday.

Preliminary rounds for the 200-meter freestyle, 100-meter breaststroke, 50-meter butterfly, 100-meter backstroke, and 400-meter individual medley will start at 8:30 a.m., with the finals session beginning at 3:00 p.m.

Ateneo pads lead in Men's Swimming, three-way dance in Women's set at midway point

c/o UAAP

UAAP Season 87 Collegiate Swimming Tally (Points – Gold-Silver-Bronze) as of Day 2

Men’s

Ateneo - 255 (9-5-2)

DLSU - 137 (1-4-3)

UP - 91 (0-0-3)

UST - 58 (0-1-2)

Women’s

DLSU - 155 (3-2-4)

UP - 152 (4-1-2)

Ateneo - 146 (2-5-2)

UST - 80 (1-2-2)

As the skies cleared over the New Clark City Aquatics Center in Capas, the UAAP Season 87 Women's Swimming Championships witnessed intense battles, with title contenders De La Salle University and Ateneo de Manila University taking turns challenging reigning champion University of the Philippines on Tuesday.  

The Green Tankers surged to the top of the standings, amassing 79 points for a cumulative total of 155, narrowly edging out UP, which tallied 152 points after three golden performances.

The Blue Eagles remained in contention, racking up 81 points on the day for a total of 146, just nine points off the lead.

UP’s Stars Shine Bright

Two former Most Valuable Players led UP's charge. Team captain Camille Lauren Buico showcased her mastery in the women’s 100-meter butterfly, clocking 1:03.94 to clinch the gold medal. Meanwhile, sophomore Quendy Fernandez dominated the women’s 200-meter backstroke, finishing first in 2:22.13.  

UP capped off the day with a record-breaking feat as Atasha Dela Torre, Mary Louise Lacson, Anthonie Kate Dequina, and Fernandez combined for a 4:03.22 finish in the women’s 4x100-meter freestyle relay, shattering the previous UAAP record of 4:10.50.  

La Salle Rises with Talosig

Despite UP’s heroics, La Salle claimed the lead, thanks to rookie sensation Mikaela Talosig. She captured gold in the women’s 400-meter freestyle (4:35.52) and bronze in the women’s 200-meter backstroke (2:27.33).  

Ateneo’s Pursuit

While Ateneo did not claim gold on Day 2, the Blue Eagles stayed competitive, earning five medals — four silvers and one bronze. Mishka Sy stood out, securing two silver medals in the women’s 400-meter freestyle (4:41.31) and 200-meter backstroke (2:24.74).  

At the halfway mark, Sy leads the MVP race with 51 points, a single point ahead of Talosig (50).

In the women’s 50-meter breaststroke, Annika Isip took silver (34.20), while University of Santo Tomas’ Alyza Paige Ng won gold (34.01) — UST’s first of the tournament.

Ateneo Dominates in Men's Division

Over in the men’s division, Ateneo extended its dominance, sweeping all five events on Day 2 to accumulate 255 points, far ahead of La Salle (137) and UP (91).  

Rookie Miguel Barreto continued his stellar debut, winning gold in the men’s 400-meter freestyle (4:03.35) and the 100-meter butterfly (56.15).

"This season, gusto ko lang is siyempre Rookie-MVP, points for the team, and sana magka-records," said Barreto, now a frontrunner in the MVP race with four consecutive wins.

Fellow rookie Ivo Nikolai Enot also shone, winning his first senior-level gold in the men’s 200-meter backstroke (2:10.55).

"So far, second day na, I swam three events and na-medals naman lahat; and broke my [personal best] times. I think I really did great and big part for the team," said Enot.

Graduating captain Rian Tirol set a new UAAP record in the men’s 50-meter breaststroke preliminaries (28.77 seconds) before securing gold in the finals (29.12 seconds). He was joined on the podium by teammate Rafael Isip (29.41) and UP rookie Jalil Taguinod (29.53), who prevented an Ateneo podium sweep.

Barreto Brothers’ 1-2 Finish

In a heartwarming highlight, Rafael Barreto and his younger brother Miguel achieved a rare 1-2 finish in the men’s 100-meter butterfly.

"Being with my brother, sobrang saya and nakaka-motivate kasi since last year na rin niya, siyempre gusto namin lahat kami maganda yung swims," said Miguel.

The Blue Eagles capped the day with another record-breaking relay performance.

Charles Ticbaen, Nathan Sason, Tirol, and Rafael Barreto clocked 3:34.21 in the men’s 4x100-meter freestyle relay, fending off La Salle (3:35.51).  

Day 3 of the UAAP Season 87 Swimming Championships resumes tomorrow.

The preliminary rounds, featuring the 200-meter freestyle, 100-meter breaststroke, 50-meter butterfly, 100-meter backstroke, and 400-meter individual medley, begin at 8:30 a.m., with the finals to follow in the afternoon.  

Free admission for UAAP Season 87 Athletics and Swimming

c/o UAAP

The University Athletic Association of the Philippines has announced that the UAAP Season 87 Swimming and Athletics Championships will now be open to the public, starting Tuesday, November 19, at the New Clark City Sports Hub in Capas, Tarlac.

The swimming championships, which will run through Wednesday, November 20, at the state-of-the-art Aquatics Center, while the athletics meet will conclude on Thursday, November 21, at the Athletics Stadium.

In a show of support for fans and the student-athletes competing, the UAAP is offering free admission to all attendees. 

There will be no need for tickets – just show up and witness the excitement as the nation’s finest student-athletes take center stage in their bid for glory.

A total of 46 medals remain up for grabs in the last two days of the swimming meet.

Meanwhile, the athletics competition will feature 26 collegiate events and 28 high school events in its last three days, with the champions determined on the final day of the tournaments.

Ninura secures second gold in UAAP athletics

c/o UAAP

Mea Gey Niñura of University of the Philippines became the first double gold medalist in the UAAP Season 87 Athletics Championships after topping the women’s 5,000 meters in the morning session on Monday at the New Clark City Stadium here.

The graduating senior from Kapatagan National High School followed up on her 10,000 meters title the previous day with a dominant finish of 18:47.33, ahead of teammate and national triathlete Erika Burgos, who clocked 18:54.90. Jessa Mae Roda of National University completed the podium with a time of 19:14.50.

“Ngayong season ang ginagawa ko is gusto kong bumabawi ako for the last season ko. Kasi tapos na ko mag-aral, kumbaga giving back na lang sa Unibersidad ng Pilipinas. Ito ‘yung nagpa-aral sa ‘kin eh at dahil sa university, nakapagtapos ako,” said the Physical Education graduate.

University of Santo Tomas claimed the gold in the women’s javelin throw with Lanie Carpintero’s massive heave of 47.36 meters. Ann Katherine Quitoy of De La Salle University took a distant second with 40.19 meters, while Adamson University’s Elizabeth Sicat completed the podium with 37.87 meters.

Chrizzel Lanipa finished fourth in the event with a throw of 37.52 meters, keeping the Fighting Maroons in second place with 118 points, trailing Far Eastern University’s 129.

Rica Mae Balderama secured the Lady Tamaraws' top spot with a gold in the triple jump, reaching 12.52 meters. She bested UST's Jeanne Arnibal, who jumped 12.47 meters, and De La Salle University's Abcd Agamanos, who had 12.26 meters.

In the men’s division, James Darrel Orduña successfully defended his 10,000 meters title with a time of 32:10.81, helping University of the East stay in the thick of the competition.

FEU’s Rogen Aguirre followed with a time of 33:07.02, while UP’s Roy Laudit outlasted teammate and record holder Josh Buenavista for third place with 33:54.22.

The UST Tiger Tracksters maintain their hold on the pole position with 79 points.

Action also resumed at the New Clark City Aquatics Centre here with the continuation of the UAAP 87 Swimming Championships.

The Day 2 preliminary session was highlighted by Rian Marco Tirol of Ateneo de Manila University, who raced to a new UAAP record of 28.77 seconds in the men’s 50-meter breaststroke, lowering his own mark of 29.10 seconds set last season.

The long-time national athlete will aim to duplicate the feat in the afternoon final to help bolster his team’s chances of achieving a rare nine-peat in the men’s division.

The women’s division remains a three-way battle between defending champions University of the Philippines, De La Salle University, and Ateneo.

University of Santo Tomas continues to lead in both the boys’ and girls’ divisions with a slew of qualifiers from the preliminary session.

The afternoon session of the athletics and the Finals of the swimming competitions are underway as of publishing.

New Clark City to host UAAP Season 87 Swimming and Athletics Championships

New Clark City 

The University Athletic Association of the Philippines is set to take its Season 87 Swimming and Athletics Championships to the New Clark City Sports Hub, the site of the historic 30th Southeast Asian Games. 

The country's premier varsity league will hold its swimming and athletics competitions at the world-class facility starting this Sunday, November 17.

The swimming championships will be from Sunday to Wednesday while the athletics championships will end on Thursday.

Ateneo de Manila University Athletics Director Emmanuel “Em” Fernandez expressed his excitement about the venue, saying, “This is the best sports venue in the Philippines, and it’s a place that has already proven itself on the international stage. The country had the privilege of hosting the 30th Southeast Asian Games here, and it’s an honor for us to bring these two events to this incredible facility. With its world-class amenities, the NCC Sports Hub is the perfect place for our student-athletes to compete and showcase their skills.”

The Swimming Championships will take place at the state-of-the-art Aquatics Center, where Ateneo will be chasing a historic ninth consecutive men’s title.

The Blue Eagles’ charge will be led by brothers Miguel Barreto and Rafael Barreto, who will look to fend off challenges from the De La Salle University Green Tankers, the University of the Philippines Fighting Maroons, and the University of Santo Tomas Tigersharks. 

Meanwhile, UP, the host of this year’s Season 87, will aim for its 17th women’s swimming crown, with the Maroons’ star swimmers, including reigning Athlete of the Year Quendy Fernandez and team captain Camille Buico, leading the charge.

In the high school division, the Junior Tigersharks will seek to complete their fourth straight “golden double” in the swimming competitions.

At the nearby Athletics Stadium, both the men’s and women’s events will see intense competition.

The National University Bulldogs, who clinched their first men’s athletics title in Season 86, will be defending their crown with standout athlete Tyronne Flores leading the charge. 

They will face stiff competition from UP, the Far Eastern University Tamaraws, and a retooled UST squad.

On the women’s side, De La Salle’s Lady Green Tracksters will look to retain their crown after an impressive 2023 campaign. 

Season 86’s top athlete Bernalyn Bejoy and fellow national team member Jessel Lumapas will be at the helm of the Lady Green Tracksters as they aim to hold off the challenges from the FEU Lady Tamaraws, the UST Female Tracksters, and the NU Lady Bulldogs.

In the high school division, both Adamson University and UST will be gunning for a three-peat in the boys’ and girls’ categories, respectively.

The New Clark City Sports Hub, with its modern infrastructure, will provide the perfect stage for these high-stakes competitions. 

UAAP Executive Director Atty. Rene “Rebo” Saguisag emphasized the significance of the venue and the importance of spotlighting swimming and athletics, saying, “If you watch the Olympics, swimming and athletics are the highlights—these are the true stars of the show. That’s why we believe it’s time for the UAAP to put more focus on these two events. The facilities at the NCC are world-class, and we are hopeful that this will be just the first of many events we’ll be able to host here in the future.”

Xiandi Chua completes PSI Nationals domination

Xiandi Chua

Xiandi Chua went three-for-three in the 2021 Philippine Swimming, Inc. National Selection bubble, securing the final piece with the 100-meter freestyle title on Sunday at the New Clark City Aquatics Center.

The All-Star Swim Club standout was the lone swimmer to finish the race in under a minute, clocking in at 59.68 seconds and fending off two UAAP Season 82 Most Valuable Players.

The twenty-year old San Juan native shares, "My times in this meet weren't really good because my times went up. But I think it's a nice opportunity to race again because I was able to see where I'm actually at and how I can I improve on it in training."

Camille Buico of Rising Atlantis Swim Club nipped Chloe Daos of QC Buccaneers for second by .01 second with a time of 1:00.34.

Daos will not come home empty-handed in this meet, topping the 200-meter butterfly at 2:22.57, fending off Michaela Mojdeh and her 2:25.22.

The Ayala Harpoons completed their dominance in the meet, thanks to Miguel Barreto and Thanya Dela Cruz.

Barreto topped both the 100-meter and 800-meter freestyle events, beating out Joshua Del Rio of the Ateneo Blue Knights, 8:48.39 to 9:15.80 in the latter while nipping Sacho Ilustre in the former, 53.52 to 53.59.

Dela Cruz, on the other hand, secured the 200-meter breaststroke title, clocking in at 2:43.44.

BEST Main also had their share of winning in the meet, led by John Neil Paderes.

The 19-year-old took the 50-meter backstroke title with a time of 27.77 seconds, completing a clean sweep of all three backstroke events.

Meanwhile, teammates Jordan Lobos and Ivan Radovan claimed their respective 200-meter races. Lobos needed 2:21.49 to top the breaststroke, while Radovan ruled the butterfly with 2:13.71.

Completing the cast of winners are Hannah Sanchez, who took the 800-meter freestyle for the All-Star Swim Club at 9:57.36, and Shayne Lugay of the Ace Seawolves, who took the 50-meter backstroke in 32.32 seconds.

The three-day event was supported by the Philippine Sports Commission, the Bases Conversion and Development Authority, and the Clark Development Corporation.

Miguel Barreto tops 200m free in PSI Nationals

Miguel Barreto

National team stalwart Miguel Barreto topped a thrilling 200-meter freestyle race highlighting Day 2 of the 2021 Philippine Swimming, Inc. National Selection bubble at the New Clark City Aquatic Center on Saturday.

With a time of 1:56.74, Barreto beat out teammate Sacho Ilustre for the win. Ilustre finished third with a time of 1:59.29, as Marco Daos sneaked past him at the touch with a 1:59.10.

He shared afterwards, "Yung kahapon, expected ko malapit sa best time. Okay naman yung feeling. Pero nothing to expect naman kasi wala namang training. So ngayon, enjoy lang, have fun."

The Ayala Harpoons Swim Club standout unfortunately missed out on a double in the 400-meter individual medley as a result of a disqualification.

Instead, it was Ted Laminta who claimed his second win in the meet with a time of 4:49.00, beating out Joshua del Rio's 5:01.04.

Fellow Harpoon Thanya Dela Cruz continued to impress, securing a third win in the competition with a near-national record at the 100-meter breaststroke.

The Marikina resident was clocked at 1:11.28, just .36 seconds off Desirae Mangaoang's record time of 1:10.92.

After being the lone competitor in the 200-meter individual medley, Xiandi Chua got tested in the 200-meter freestyle, beating UAAP Season 82 MVP Chloe Daos, 2:09.17 to 2:11.66.

Fellow UAAP Season 82 MVP Camille Buico did win her event, clocking a 28.69 second time to claim the 50-meter butterfly for Rising Atlantis SC.

In the other events, BEST Main's Jordan Lobos topped the 100-meter breaststroke with a time of 1:04.66, beating out Sam Alcos and Rian Marco Tirol, who finished second and third with respective times of 1:05.84 and 1:05.96.

Lobos' teammate Michaela Mojdeh claimed the 400-meter individual medley title fending off Gianna Garcia, 5:23.63 to 5:38.73. The fifteen-year-old had a crack at another race, but fell short against Hannah Sanchez in the women's 1500-meter freestyle, 18:58.71 against the latter's 18:55.97.

Garcia did top the women's 200-meter backstroke with 2:33.96, fending off Keneily Trinidad's 2:45.71.

QC Buccaneers SC's Seb Wong beat out Ilustre in the 50-meter butterfly with a time of 25.67 seconds. Ilustre nipped Marcus De Kam for second, 26.40 to 26.50. 

Completing things off for second day action in the meet, which is backed by the Philippine Sports Commission, the Bases Conversion and Development Authority, and the Clark Development Corporation, is John Niel Paderes and his 2:14.94 time to secure the men's 200-meter backstroke.

Final day of pool action is slated on Sunday.

Thanya dela Cruz sets record in PSI Nationals

Thanya Dela Cruz stars in Day 1 action

Thanya Dela Cruz makes an early impression in the early part of Day 1 action in the 2021 Philippine Swimming, Inc.'s National Selection bubble at the New Clark City Aquatic Center.

The 18-year-old Marikina resident set a new mark in the 50-meter breaststroke with a time of 32.89 seconds, beating then-record holder Joy Rodgers' 32.93 that she established during the 30th Southeast Asian Games at the same venue.

She shared afterwards, "Sobrang saya kasi sobrang tagal nating hindi nakapag-swim. I mean, so coming here wala namang expectations, just to get back the feeling lang. I didn't expect na mag-rerecord."

Rodgers finished second behind Dela Cruz with 33.94 seconds.

Dela Cruz also topped the field in the 50-meter freestyle event, as the Ayala Harpoons Swim Club standout claimed it with a time of 27.92 seconds, with Trixie Ortiguera of Tarlac Mako Sharks SC finishing in second with 29.31 seconds.

Harpoons teammates also topped a couple more events, with Miguel Barreto winning the 400-meter freestyle with a time of 4:39.21 and Ryan Marco Tirol taking the 50-meter breaststroke at 30.05 seconds.

UAAP Season 82 Most Valuable Players Sacho Ilustre, Chloe Daos and Camille Buico set the pace in their respective events, with Ilustre clocking the fastest time in the 100-meter butterfly at 57.13 seconds, nipping Joshua Ang of the Golden Sea Eagles and his 57.44 seconds.

Daos, on the other hand, won the 400-meter freestyle with a time of 4:39.21 for the QC Buccaneers, while Buico snatched the 100-meter butterfly by clocking in at 1:03.94.

Chloe's teammate in QC, Seb Wong, more recognized as the brother of SEA Games wushu gold medalist Agatha, swam the fastest in the 50-meter freestyle. The 22-year-old touched at 24.00 seconds for the win.

Other winners on Friday include:

John Niel Paderes (100-meter backstroke at 1:01.22)

Shayne Lugay (100-meter backstroke at 1:10.38)

Ted Laminta (200-meter individual medley at 2:13.89) representing D'Ace Seahawks.

Joshua Del Rio (1500-meter freestyle at 16:40.12) representing Ateneo Blue Knight Swim Club

Michaela Mojdeh (1500-meter freestyle at 18:58.71)

Meanwhile, Xiandi Chua set a time a 2:25.32 in the women's 200-meter individual medley, the only participant in that particular event.

More swimming action is set to take place on Saturday in the meet, which is backed by the Philippine Sports Commission, the Bases Conversion and Development Authority, and the Clark Development Corporation.

Swimmers set for PSI National Selection Bubble

New Clark City Aquatics Center

The quest to determine the composition of the national team starts Friday at the New Clark City Aquatics Center with the 2021 Philippine Swimming, Inc. National Selection Bubble.

Sanctioned by FINA (Federation Internationale de Natation), the three-day competition provides opportunities for swimmers to earn points and set times that can meet qualifying standards for a couple of major competitions: the 15th World Swimming (25) Championships set to take place in Abu Dhabi in December and the 19th World Aquatics Champhionships in Fukuoka this coming May 2022.

PSI president Lailani Velasco shares, "We hope that the event can show to the youth that we can rise again and recover from this pandemic. We hope to encourage current swimmers to train even more to reach their dreams. And what better dream than to have a chance to represent the country, and bring pride and honor to the flag."

Notable participants in the 71-member field are UAAP Season 82 Most Valuable Players Chloe Daos and Sacho Ilustre, each participating in four events. Also set to swim are the likes of Xiandi Chua, Camille Buico, and Joy Rodgers for the women and Ianiko Limfilipino and Miguel Barreto in the men.

The three-day event is backed by the Philippine Sports Commission, the Bases Conversion and Development Authority, and the Clark Development Corporation.

Sea Lions dominate in NCAA Swimming

San Beda continues to lord over the NCAA Swimming tournament at the Rizal Memorial Aquatics Center.

The Sea Lions dominated in the senior men's and women's division, with golds from Celine Anne Delotavo (women's 400m freestyle), John Henry Gurango (men's 400m freestyle), Chloe Medina (women's 100m backstroke), Chris Alcher Calderon (men's 200m breaststroke), and the 200m freestyle relays.

Their dominance is so omniscient that they clinched the collegiate titles with the final day of competition still to be played.

The College of Saint Benilde was in distant second in both divisions, as the Blazers rode on gold medals from Aziz Jan Pukunum (100m backstroke), Justine Anne Abastillas (50m butterfly), and Christopher Wong (50m butterfly).

La Salle-Greenhills still have a hold atop the HS division at 518.5 points, but San Beda and Perpetual Help are just around the corner at 497 and 411.25 points, respectively.

Junior Altas swimmer and Philippines National Games standout Russell La Torre set the record for the 400m freestyle during the prelims with a 4:18.15 time before clinching the gold with a 4:18.33 effort.

Christine Lorente of Jose Rizal University clinched the 200m breaststroke title in 2:52.38, with the quartet of Albert Santos, Anfer Tagao, Aaron Alagban, and Marione Barcelon clinched the 200m freestyle relay title in 1:45.16.

Ateneo seeks to replicate feat in UAAP Swimming

The Rizal Memorial Swimming Pool is set to host the UAAP Season 78 Swimming tournament, which starts today at 8am and lasts until the end of the week.

Ateneo is set to defend its triple crown this season, having been the dominant powerhouse in the boys' portion of high school swimming for the past decade, while having success in the collegiate ranks.

The Blue Eagles, who are seeking their third title in four seasons, are led by Season 77 MVP and veteran international tanker Jessie Khing Lacuna, team captain Axel Ngui, and Season 77 Rookie of the Year Aldo Batungbacal.

The Lady Eagles, who are seeking a back-to-back nod after ending a six-year drought, are led by Season 77 MVP and veterna international tanker Hannah Dato, team captain Basille Uy, and Season 77 Rookie of the Year Ariana Herranz.

Lacuna and Dato each won seven gold medals last season, all of them in record time, on their way to being named as Ateneo's Sportsman and Sportswoman of the Year.

Leading the charge in trying to topple these Blue Tankers are UP, UST, and La Salle, while National University is making its debut this season. UST is also the only non-Ateneo team holding a Season 77 swimming championship, thanks to its girls' division crown.