Dhessa Mae Arino paced Negros Occidental with four gold medals, capped by her win in the mixed doubles for 12 years old and under in partnership with Robert Alovan. The two beat teammates Bill Gallero and Angel Rose Tiad, 21-7, 21-14.

Arino’s other wins came in the 12-under singles and the 12-under and 14-under doublers with April Ann Bibiano.

Beijing Olympics-bound archer Mark Javier highlighted the ceremonial torch relay before thousands of spectators that included 1,500 athletes, officials and delegation members from participating local governments like Aklan, Antique, Bohol, Cebu, Cebu City, Guimaras, Northern Samar and Bacolod City.

"We’re honored to host this event and hope we could discover some potential talents in this event," said Macias, who and Percides are bidding to host next year’s Palarong Pambansa.

The host province seized both the two mints Negros Occidental failed to corner thanks to Judea Turing in the 14-under and Charisse Isaw in the ladies’ open section.

Centerpiece athletics will start today in the newly-built main complex in this meet backed by Globe, Philippine Gaming Corp., Summit Drinking Water, AMA Computer U, The Philippine STAR and Creativity Lounge.

Other badminton winners were Louie John Medina (12-under), Robert Alovan (14-under), Christian Crisostomo and Christian Pavia (16-under doubles), Merry Joy Fernandez (16-under), Ernesto Lavao (men’s open), Alem Palmares and Medina (12-under doubles).

Medina and Alovan (14-under doubles), Aljous Alovan and Rogel Manangasi (16-under doubles), Fernandez and Nikki Servado (16-under doubles), Lavao and Salvador Diesmo (men’s open doubles), Bibiano and Palmares (12-under mixed), Crisostomo and Servado (16-under mixed) and Diesmo and Sheila Ledesma (open mixed).