By CALVIN CORDOVA

CEBU CITY—With her whole family egging her on, Asia Abucay Paraase proved that her previous triumph that made her the first gold medalist in this year’s Palarong Pambansa was no fluke as she pocketed a second gold on Sunday, July 14, at the Cebu City Sports Center.

Sweeping her two events in athletics, the 17-year-old Paraase from Pajo National High School in Lapu-Lapu City ruled the secondary girls 1,500-meter run for her second gold in the competition.

Official time was not immediately available but in Paraase’s watch, she was six seconds faster than her personal best after she timed 4 minutes and 50 seconds.

The 17-year-old athlete, who snatched Palaro's first gold this year when she ruled the 3,000-meter run last Tuesday, got a much needed inspiration with the unexpected presence of her family.

“I thought it was only my mother and father who would watch  my event but I saw my grandmother, siblings and other relatives were at the stands,” said Paraase, who is in her second Palaro. The amiable athlete won silver in the 3,000m run in last year’s Palaro in Marikina.

Paraase’s stellar performance has drawn more attention from big schools in Metro Manila.

Paraase said she already got offers from Manila-based schools when she competed in a Philippine Athletics Track and Field Association-organized competition last year.

An official of the Central Visayas delegation disclosed that more schools from Manila have approached Paraase after her double-gold showing this year.

Paraase said the journey to become a bemedalled athlete has not been easy, but the opportunity to study in a premier university has motivated her not to give up.

She is still weighing her options but will definitely accept one of the various offers.

“I will just finish Grade 12 then I will decide what school to choose. I really work hard so that I can study in a university that can help me find a stable job. I know I cannot be an athlete forever and I need to support my family,” said Paraase, the eldest in a brood of three.

Paraase’s mother works as a repacker of food for airline companies while her father is an encoder of a mailing company. 

The young athlete plans to take up commerce or join the Air Force.

“My grandfather is a former member of the Air Force and some of my relatives are in the Air Force. I also train in an Air Force camp and I like their profession,” said Paraase.

Paraase’s performance on the tracks is just one of the few bright spots in Central Visayas’ campaign as gold medals have been scarce for the region.

As of 4 p.m. on Sunday, July 14, Central Visayas is at fourth spot in the medal rankings with 22 golds, 31 silvers, and 18 bronzes.

Perennial champion National Capital Region led the medal tally with 45 golds, 35 silvers, and 44 bronzes. Region 6 has moved up to second spot with 34 golds, 24 silvers, and 27 bronzes.

Region 4-A, who once led the ranking, dropped to third spot with 33 golds, 29 silvers, and 33 bronzes.

Dr. Salustiano Jimenez, regional director of Department of Education-Central Visayas, expressed satisfaction with Region 7’s position with only a few days left in the competition.

Jimenez said the amount of silvers that Central Visayas had showed that its athletes performed well.

“Actually, I’m so happy, grateful and thankful to God for what is happening. As you can see, we have several silvers so that means our athletes are giving their best to win but it's just…God allows it to happen, so be it,” said Jimenez.

Region 7 may not be able to contend for the overall crown but it is poised to improve its overall ranking in last year's Palaro.

“Last year, we only finished fifth. If we finish fourth, it means we improved. It’s not bad. I’m satisfied, I observed, watched the games and I could say they are really giving their best and that’s the important thing,” Jimenez said.