Swimmer Michaela Jasmine Mojdeh and the Wangkay sisters, Laurize Jeante and Qaantreulle, are among those expected to come up with a good showing when the 2019 Palarong Pambansa gets going at the University of the Philippines (UP) Sports complex in Davao City on Monday.
Mojdeh, who made efforts to improve on her times in the recent Luzon leg of the Batang Pinoy, is seeking to post at least one record-breaking feat when she debuts in the secondary girls swimming competition.
The 12-year-old Mojdeh said she has broken the 200-meter butterfly record in the secondary girl division during practices here with her teammates. Mojdeh hopes to do the same in actual competition.
“Hopefully, mas mapababa ko pa iyung record pagdating ng Palaro,” said Mojdeh, who will swim for the National Capital Region.
Last year, Mojdeh finished her first outing in the Palaro in Vigan when she earned six gold medal after joining seven events.
Mojdeh, now a seventh grader from Immaculate Heart of Mary in Paranaque, will be going for five gold medals, as she is entered in the 100-meter and 200-meter individual medleys, 100-m and 200-m breaststrokes and the 200-meter butterfly.
Suzanne Himor of the Southern Tagalog Region holds the record in the 200-meter butterfly at 2:25.21.
In secondary girls’ athletics, Laurize Jeante Wangkay is seeking to retain the 2,000 meter walk title while representing the Southern Tagalog region with her younger sister Qaantreulle.
Quaantrelle, who completed her stint in Batang Pinoy swimming meet with one gold and four silvers in the 12-under action, is expected to make her presence felt in the secondary division swimming meet as well.
Meanwhile, the scheduled opening of Palarong Pambansa has been moved from April 27 to April 28, Sunday, at the Davao City-UP Sports complex.
Organizers said the opening rites was rescheduled due to the unavailability of the keynote speaker.
President Duterte is expected to grace the opening ceremonies.
The weeklong meet is expected to draw some 15,000 athletes, their coaches and game officials coming from the country’s 17 regions.
The opening ceremony is set at 3 p.m.
