VIGAN, Ilocos Sur ― He dreams to become a seaman and a member of the Philippines national athletics team.
Marc Angelo Cabiluna, a 15-year-old student of Villanueva National High School, might be getting closer to his second wish after he delivered yesterday, December 18, the first gold for the Misamis Oriental team at the 2022 Batang Pinoy National Championships at the Quirino Stadium here.
Actually, a second gold for any team from Mindanao (the first courtesy of Davao City) on the second day of action in this week-long multifarious meet for athletes 15 years and below.
“No comment. Wala akong masabi,” Cabiluna was at a loss for words right after his golden leap in a high school boys' long jump competition.
Looking fit and vibrant before his final attempt, Cabiluna outjumped the 14-year-old Jonathan Bellosillo of Masbate Sports Academy, 6.54 to 6.50 meters to the great delight of his mother and coach Cherry, 52.
“It was a dream come true for Marc who really trained hard for this after his fifth-place finish in the 2019 Palarong Pambansa in Davao. Glory to God in the highest we also offer this victory to Mama Mary,” said Cabiluna’s mother who was assisted by fellow teacher Sittie Jaya Mauna.
From 43 regional qualifiers, the five-foot-two Cabiluna made it to the finals after his third place among the eight finalists.
Bellosillo, who Jonathan Librando mentored, bagged the silver. At the same time, Joseph Stephan Bayya of coach Edison Agduna from Tacurong National High School in Cotabato took the bronze in 6.44 meters distance.
When he settled down, Cabiluna said his dream to navigate the ocean as a seaman might take a backseat after his maiden success on the national stage.
“Now I’m determined to become a member of the Philippine team one day,” said Cabiluna.
He looked forward to his next competition ― the triple jump ― on Tuesday morning (7 am), which Cabiluna called his equally favorite event, possibly another gold mine.
