By ADRIAN STEWART CO

Negrense Sheena Jillianne Chua Ty made a mark with five golds and one silver in the elementary rhythmic gymnastics event of the 2025 Palarong Pambansa in Laoag City, Ilocos Norte yesterday.

Ty, who hails from Bacolod City, claimed her gold medals in the rope, hoop, ball, and individual all-around before settling for a silver medal finish in the team category.

Last year, the 11-year-old bagged six gold medals in the elementary girls rhythmic gymnastics team, individual all-around, freehand, rope, hoop, and ball events.

“Jill is a living testament that hard work and determination really pays off. Her perseverance, resilience, dedication, and prayers have brought her to newer heights,” her mother, Jac Jac Ty, said.

In track and field, Marjen Iwayan, a native of Negros Occidental’s Sagay City, added a gold medal to Western Visayas’ collection after ruling the elementary girls high jump event.

Elmar Lloyd Genova, who hails from Negros Occidental’s Cauayan town, also won a gold medal in the secondary boys pencak silat after defeating his opponent from Calabarzon in the finals./ASC, WDJ