Unheralded local bets Billie Blu Mondonedo, Maxene Hayley Uy, Sophie Rose Garra and Liv Abigail Florendo shared the limelight with other Filipino-foreigners on Sunday, Aug. 18, at the close of the Philippine Aquatics, Inc. (PAI) 50-meter-long course National Trials at the crowded Teofilo Yldefonso Swimming Pool in Malate, Manila.

The 17-year-old, Mondonedo, born and raised in Manilla by Filipino-American parents and currently representing the FTW Royals Swim Club, cemented her inclusion for the national team with an astonishing performance in the girls 16-18 100-meter freestyle after clocking 56.64 seconds to hit the SEA Age Qualifying Time Standard (QTS) of 58.41sec.

Mondenedo beat her teammate Arabella Nadeen Taguinota (1:01.13) and Asian Age Group Championship campaigner Trixie Ortiguerra of Tarlac Mako (1:01.62) to claim her third QTS in the event that served as selection for members of the Philippine Team which is set to participate in international tournaments including the SEA Age Group tilt in December in Bangkok, Thailand.

Mondonedo completed her mastery in freestyle with victories in the 50-meter (26.48sec), bettering the QTS of 27.05sec, and 200-m (2:08.34), eclipsing the 2:09.09 standard time in the four-day event backed by Speedo, Pocari Sweat and the Philippine Sports Commission (PSC)

“It’s a dream come true. One step at a time, until I reach my goal to compete in a high-level competition, hopefully the Olympics in the future,” said Mondonedo.

Also shining bright among the local hopefuls are Uy, Garra, and Florendo who made it to the training pool with their respectable showing in different classes after faltering in the first three days of competition.

“We’re happy to see some unfamiliar names breaking the standard time in the Trials. This only proves that PAI swimming club members are seriously adopting the training program we crafted and distributed throughout our regional areas. We will review the results, para makita rin natin na puwedeng maisama yung ibang gold medalist na walang QTS but very potential,” said PAI Secretary-General Batangas 1^st District Rep. Eric Buhain.