Salise, Arches capture PNG gold, silver medals

DAVAO City jins Rianne Chardae Salise and Christian Neil Arches earned varsity scholarships in San Beda University, formerly San Beda College after winning gold and silver medals, respectively, in the recently-concluded taekwondo competition of the Philippine National Games (PNG) 2018 in Cebu City.

From wearing blue, the former Ateneo de Davao University (Addu) first dan blackbelt Salise will wear a different color in the new school year.

The 17-year-old bemedaled jin, who will turn Grade 11 in June, ruled the junior girls middleweight category against a lone rival from Bulacan.

Salise considered her recent feat a redemption from a dismal performance in the Davao Region Athletic Association (Davraa) 2018 that foiled her bid for a Palarong Pambansa 2018 slot.

"Noong Davraa I was so sad kasi hindi ako naka Palaro so parang naisip ko na nabawi yung Davraa ko," she said, adding that the biggest reward for her is the scholarship she acquired that would help her family financially.

The 2016 and 2017 Palarong Pambansa bronze medalist, however, said she will take this rare opportunity to finish her studies while improving in his sport.

Arches, who is considered one of the best jins of Emar Human and Environmental College, also had the biggest break of his taekwondo career.

His silver in the junior boys welterweight division also landed a scholarship gront from another university.

The 18-year-old brown belt had won several medals in different levels of competition including city, regional and national meets. He is also a Palarong Pambansa veteran and a consistent representative of Batang Pinoy Championships.