TAGAYTAY, Cavite — Competing in their first international tournament, the Philippines’ young gymnasts proved they belong on the continental stage after capturing one gold and three bronze medals in the 2026 Youth Aerobic Gymnastics Asian Championships, presented by the Philippine Sports Commission, on Thursday at the Tagaytay CT Velodrome here.
Hosting top-level youth sporting events in the country has been one of Philippine Sports Commission chairman Pato Gregorio’s key initiatives to strengthen grassroots sports development, particularly since young athletes often face greater challenges and restrictions when traveling abroad for international competitions.
“Yun talaga ang dahilan kung bakit tayo nagho-host. Para ma-showcase yung development ng sport sa Pilipinas, mabigyan ng pagkakataon yung mga Pilipino mag-perform, sumali, manalo sa international level,” said Gregorio during the finals of the junior and youth divisions.
“It is really a strategy to host international events, lalo na for the youth, kasi sila yung mahihirap ipabyahe abroad with so many restrictions. If we bring the event here, mas madali sa kanila sumali, buong pamilya pa nanonood. Buong Pilipinas pa napapanood sila,” he added.
The tandem of Rhimel Daniel Cabides and Antonette Amante delivered the country’s lone gold medal by topping the youth mixed pair event, while Rhys Enoch Basmayor and John Mikhaela Ladaran earned the bronze in the same discipline.
Mico Vistal added another bronze in the men’s individual event, while the Philippines also secured bronze in the aero dance competition organized by the Gymnastics Association of the Philippines, headed by president Cynthia Carrion, and sanctioned by the Asian Gymnastics Union.
The Philippine aero dance team was composed of Basmayor, Ladaran, Miguel Martin, Anne Meniano, Nathalia Facultad, Sean Leona, Jane Ramos, and Casey Meniano.
Beyond providing Filipino athletes with valuable exposure to high-level international competition, Gregorio said hosting events like these also supports the country’s push to establish itself as a sports tourism destination.
“At the same time, we promote the country as a sports tourism destination, Tagaytay City to be particular. Yun ang complete package diba? 300-plus foreign delegates staying for five days, you showcase the destination, you showcase the sport, and you bring home a medal. Palagay ko complete package yun. Yun ang perfect strategy ng Philippine Sports Commission,” he said.
The championships conclude on Friday with the senior division finals. The event is supported by the Philippine Olympic Committee, the Philippine Amusement and Gaming Corporation (PAGCOR), and the Tagaytay City government led by Mayor Brent Tolentino.
