Ilonggo tennis players dazzle in Negros Occidental tourney

By Leobert Julian A. de la Peña

Four of the prized Ilonggo youth sensations impressed the national crowd at San Carlos City, Negros Occidental, in the Mayor Rene Gustilo Cup, PPS-PEPP, Best of the best UTP Masters by Palawan Pawnshop.

Up against the best of the best tennis players in the whole Philippines, John Rafael Santiago, Maria Alexandra Onte, Althea Rose Martirez, and Peebee Aguirre of team Iloilo City Sports Academy made a name for themselves and proved they can compete with the best players the country has to offer.

In the 10-under unisex category, the young tennis prodigy Santiago was able to reach until the semifinals of the tournament.

Meanwhile, in the 12-under girls’ category, Onte also was able to reach the semifinals while Martirez in the 16-under girls also reached the top 4.

The prized athletes are under the program of the Iloilo City Sports Academy headed by Mayor Jerry P. Treñas and Executive Assistant for Sports Mr. Rudiver Jungco Sr.