Nine-year old arnisador Shayne Monreal captures four Palaro gold medals

ILOCOS NORTE - At only nine years old, Shayne Mark Monreal can proudly say he is one of the most bemedalled athletes in the ongoing 2025 Palarong Pambansa in Ilocos Norte. 

The Region 10 product has already captured four gold medals in arnis, winning in synchronized likha anyo single weapon, double weapon, likha anyo espada y daga, and mixed double weapon in the elementary boys division. 

"Masaya po kasi four golds, first time ko po ito sa Palarong Pambansa. Gusto ko maging Philippine team. [Natuto po ako mag-arnis kasi] ‘yung kaklase ko sabiu maglaro kami ng arnis," Monreal told GMA News Online. 

Monreal is using this experience as a stepping stone in making it to the Philippine team, which he said is his ultimate goal in the sport he learned in school.

"Gusto ko po talagang maging Philippine team [member] po. Ayon po 'yung pangarap ko."

With his achievements so far, Monreal became the fifth most bemedalled athlete in the ongoing edition of the Palaro. 

Monreal is behind gymnasts Arman Hernandez Jr. and Sheena Jillianne Ty as well as swimmers Titus Sia and Sophia Garra, all of whom have won five gold medals each. 

—JKC, GMA Integrated News