GAP president Cynthia Carrion (right) discusses preparations for the hosting of the 10th Senior Aerobic Gymnastics Asian Championships at the Tagaytay City Velodrome. Carrion was accompanied by GAP secretary-general Rowena Eusuya. (Photo courtesy of the Philippine News Agency/Jean Malanum)
It appears that not only is the Philippines producing iconic athletes like Alex Eala and EJ Obiena but hosting global sports events has become a trend as the country has developed world-class venues to stage international competitions.
Just recently, the Gymnastics Association of the Philippines (GAP) announced that the 10th Senior Aerobic Gymnastics Asian Championships will takes place in Tagaytay City, Cavite on August 4 to 7, 2026.
Speaking at the Philippine Sportswriters Association (PSA) forum, GAP president Cynthia Carrion admitted that the decision to have the gymnastics championships here came as a pleasant surprise.
“We have wanted to stage this event for some time and we are proud to say that we finally have it,” she candidly told PSA’s top sports journalists.
Accorfinly, the upcoming competitions has drawn at least 350 delegates from 12 nations, namely Vietnam, Japan, Korea, India, Mongolia, Cambodia, Chinese Taipei, Hong Kong, Indonesia, South Korea, Kyrgyzstan and Thailand.
Carrion noted that India is expected to have the most number of entries with 50, followed by Vietnam with 45 and the Philippines at 43 gymnasts.
“They will see action in individual men and women’s events, mixed pairs, trios, groups, aerobic dance and aerobic steps,” she cited as among the events listed in the tournament presented by the Philippine Sports Commission (PSC) and featuring age groups in the 12 to 14 youth, 15 to 17 junior and 18 above for seniors.
Though optimistic about how the country’s best gymnasts will perform in the upcoming tourney, Carrion shared that they are aware of the other countries’ capabilities.
“We have great chances to compete for medal finishes. Arcenio Cadios and Charmaine Dolar, who were silver medalists in the 33rd Southeast Asian Games in Bangkok last year, could give strong performances,” she enthused.
“In Dolar, we expect to do well in the women’s individual event and in the women’s trios in siblings Dorothy Grace and Danielle Grade and Princess Johana Pama,” she added.
In ending, the gymnastics chief avowed full support to all of the Filipino athletes who will be competing.
“I cannot promise anything kasi ang gagaling no’ng ibang countries. But our athletes will surely give their best to give honor to our country and the Filipino people,” she concluded.