Vistal ranked first in the August 2026 MELE with a rating of 92.20 percent.
Meanwhile, the three UC student-athletes: Althea Bacaro, Rhianne Cabalida, and Jea Mae Palagti secured podium finishes in their respective weightlifting competitions.
Bacaro won two gold medals at the Asian Youth and Junior Weightlifting Championships held in Tashkent, Uzbekistan on August 3.
Moreover, Bacaro also earned one silver medal and one bronze medal, while Cabalida took two silvers and a bronze, and Palagti secured two silvers at the International Weightlifting Federation World Youth Weightlifting Championships held in Cali, Colombia last July 5-11.
In an interview with Lakandiwa, Vistal shared that his achievement served as a redemption from his Registered Electrical Engineers Licensure Examination (REELE).
“Sauna katu’ng [REELE], sakit sa part na wala ku na-top kay for five years nag-goal ku na masulud sa topnotchers, but in the end wala ku na-top. For me, nagskuwela ku’g ME para ma-redeem aku’ng kaugalingun, para at least aku’ng inner wounds ma-heal. Kay before, gi-down naku aku’ng kaugalingun. At least karun, nibalik og saka aku’ng confidence and self-esteem,” he said.
In a separate interview with Lakandiwa, Athletics Director Jessica Honoridez emphasized the importance of staying focused and maintaining a positive mindset amid challenges.
“Keep going and focus. Focus in a positive way, focus sa academics and trainings. As we are considering the struggle natu sa mga gadgets, if you have the focus, automatically expected na siya na will be an achiever. Mau aku’ng pinaka-dream na naay athletes na naay maka-shine,” she said.
In recognition of their achievements, Go presented cash incentives to Vistal and the student-athletes.
Words by Georgie S. Mamugay
Photos by Brian Benedict R. Orlanda
